The Golden State Warriors have stormed into the new season, turning heads with a 4-1 start.
Their dominance is evident in the numbers, as they outscored their first two opponents by 77 points, setting a new NBA record.
At the heart of their resurgence is a suffocating defense, anchored by none other than Draymond Green, holding teams to just 99 points per game in their opening five contests.
This defensive intensity harkens back to the Warriors’ championship years, when their blend of physicality, speed and relentless energy made them nearly unstoppable.
One NBA insider is suggesting Green has done some serious soul-searching after last season’s tumultuous run.
“I believe in my heart of hearts, that last year taught [Draymond Green] his lesson,” Geltzeiler said on the “Steiny & Guru” podcast, via 95.7 The Game.
“I believe in my heart of hearts, that last year taught [Draymond Green] his lesson.” 👀
– @BGeltzNBA via @SteinyGuru957.
🎧 https://t.co/aBktyTl8Zh pic.twitter.com/c8MZbq9yto
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 31, 2024
The Warriors weathered a storm of injuries and suspensions, including Green’s own absence, which culminated in a disappointing playoff exit against the Sacramento Kings.
The 2023-24 season was particularly challenging for Green, with multiple suspensions and injuries disrupting his rhythm and the team’s chemistry.
Now, he seems to have found his focus again, as evidenced by his recent performance against the New Orleans Pelicans, a well-rounded stat line of 14 points, four rebounds, six assists, five blocks and one steal.
Moreover, Green’s defensive prowess has long been recognized, from his Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2016-17 to multiple All-Defensive Team selections.
However, his absence from 27 games last season due to various setbacks led to a surprising omission from the defensive teams in 2023-24, a snub that clearly hasn’t sat well with the veteran champion.
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