USA Today via Reuters
May 3, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after a basket during the second half in game two of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 3, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after a basket during the second half in game two of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics are involved in a heated battle in the NBA Finals. The Celtics went 2-1 up after dominating Golden State in Game 3 on Wednesday. Steph Curry and the Warriors will look to bounce back in Game 4 to make sure they don’t fall to a 3-1 series deficit.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart became the first trio since 1984 to each record 25 pts, 5 ast, 5 reb in a Finals game. Their play was pivotal in helping the Celtics take the lead.
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The Warriors would have hoped for a similar contribution from their star trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Splash Bros did their job by combining for 56 points, but it was the poor performance of Green that proved to be vital.
Draymond Green’s struggles
After talking trash during and after the Warriors’ Game 2 win, there was an expectation that he will continue to do so in front of a raucous Boston crowd. However, Green had an abysmal performance in Game 3 at the TD Garden. He recorded 2 pts, 4 reb, and 3 ast in 35 minutes of action. Stats can often be misleading, but Green’s stats in these Finals tell the story of why the Warriors are down 2-1. After 3 games, Green has a total of 15 points to go along with 15 personal fouls.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 27, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) talks with teammates before an inbounds pass against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Even though Green has had a few performances to forget, blaming his off-court actions seems far-fetched. He hopped onto YouTube to talk about his performance in Game 3. Predictably, fans started claiming this as the reason for his disappointing night.
MJ gambled till 4am the night before finals games. Rodman left town to smoke cigars with Hulk Hogan on WCW Nitro. I don’t think Draymond talking on YouTube for 30 mins sober in a hotel room is why they’re losing guys…
— Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) June 9, 2022
There have been many instances in the past where players, including Michael Jordan, have done worse things than going on YouTube to talk about their performance.
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 times Draymond Green resorted to dirty fouls
Fans come to the rescue of Draymond Green
Fans were quick to point that out as well.
Agreed. Sad all we are hearing about is the Dray podcast and the Boston crowd being too harsh. No one wants to talk about the lack of rebounding and not defending the 3. Crazy how this doesn’t get brought up after a W
— Tom DeLaRosa (@Tdelarosa22) June 9, 2022
It probably takes him 2 hours to record and get online I'm sure others are drinking, watching movies, or playing games. Him filming a podcast that he's passionate about isn't effecting him shit I'd argue it helps. If it puts him in a better head space then do it.
— Joe (@thejoemonsta) June 10, 2022
People got no idea what these guys actually do outside of the games lol
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) June 9, 2022
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https://twitter.com/grahamtchong/status/1535080576520073217?s=20&t=LZmkrhltpQA11dLKSyfnQw
Bro been doing his podcast the whole season lol and they in the finals. Like its never been a reason they lose and never will be.
— Dev Shah (@devshah000) June 9, 2022
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READ MORE: Shortest Player in NBA History Admits ?GOAT? Michael Jordan Tried To Bully Him Using His Size
Draymond Green needs to be better and he knows it better than anyone. But he is not going to stop being who he is off the court. Warriors fans will hope their team bounces back in Game 4 and takes back home-court advantage. All eyes will be on Green in Game 4. Will he rediscover the fire? Only time will tell.
