Over the years there has been a huge debate over basketball being tougher in the previous era. The main reason for this is the physicality allowed back then. The game was a lot rougher and based on strength. However, in today’s game, the rules are much tighter. But, that doesn’t mean players don’t use physicality.
In Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green was all over the Boston Celtics. The Warriors forward received criticism from a Celtics legend.
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Cedric Maxwell was a part of the old generation of players. He played in the days when players could raise their hands and fight. Playing for the Boston Celtics, Maxwell helped Larry Bird in capturing the 1981 NBA championship.
Moreover, he won the honors of Finals MVP averaging 17.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Still connected with the Celtics, Maxwell had some harsh words for Draymond after his physical display in Game 2.
And going back to his chippy nature, the former Finals MVP made sure Green knew his thoughts.
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Draymond Green gets a reality check from Celtics legend
Draymond is one of the best defenders in the league. His hard-nosed defense is characterized by going after everything he can. His willingness to play on that end makes him one of the best. However, in Game 2 of the Finals, he crossed the line on several occasions.
Likewise, Cedric Maxwell called him out and said in his era, Green would be on the floor. After the game, Green hit back at Maxwell and said the older players would need a lot more skill to survive today. However, this did not go in his favor.
Maxwell reached into his list of accolades and hit Green with a line he won’t forget anytime soon. The Celtics legend said: “Draymond, ask your daddy who I was.” But Maxwell wasn’t done just yet. He hit Green with a statement that gave way to the two-time champs legacy and said, “There’s only been 32 Finals MVPs and damn it I am one of them.”
Cedric Maxwell speaks his mind on Draymond 😳
(via @NBCSCeltics) pic.twitter.com/WixulofoFF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 9, 2022
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Draymond can’t say the same thing just yet, and will probably not win the Finals MVP in his career. However, he has proved to be the most crucial piece of the puzzle for the Warriors.
It was evident as the Warriors fell apart when he struggled in Game 3. While the back and forth between present and past is never going to stop, Green has his eyes on a championship.
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Making his sixth final in just eight years, Green has left behind the legacy of a winner. He has mastered his role on a team full of superstars. As the glue for the Warriors, Draymond will need to be on top of his game if they have a chance to win.
Do you think the former DPOY will win and double Maxwell’s championship tally? Let us know your views in the comments below.