The 2022 NBA Finals are over as the Western Conference juggernauts Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6. The Dubs were clearly the better side in the series as a whole, both offensively and defensively. While Stephen Curry dominated the offense, it was the likes of Draymond Green who held down the fort defensively.
While Green did not have his best of performances in the Finals, often finding himself in foul trouble, the 32-year-old was a defensive juggernaut. While he was the first person to challenge the likes of Jayson Tatum, it is understandable the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year probably became the most hated man in Boston.
Often getting booed in TD Garden, Green was unfazed in the intimidating atmosphere, and his impact was certainly visible on the series as well. After winning his 4th NBA title, Green, however, did give his props to the Boston Celtics’ fanbase and appreciated the crowd.
(17:12 onwards):
“This fanbase gave me a hard time, really hard time. To come here and get a win is awesome. I appreciate this fanbase, they brought incredible energy and brought incredible energy with them, but we did what we do, welcome back to the Warriors’ invitational.”
While the Warriors did put up an incredible all-around performance, there were times when Draymond was not at his best. Sometimes looking lost defensively or often struggling because of foul trouble, the 32-year-old did show some signs of probable weaknesses in his game.
But if anyone can make a comeback, it is a player like Draymond Green, who has established himself as a defensive beast. While his numbers aren’t that glaring, the role that a player like Green plays, especially with his playmaking, is commendable and probably is one of the most pivotal pieces to the Warriors’ fluid gameplay.
Not only that, the 4-time All-Star often ends up being the most-hated player in an arena, given he is the one who often ends up doing the dirty work for the Dubs. Green might not be the flashiest player on the team, but he surely has a massive role in why the Warriors have 4 championships in the last 7 years.
