Even after securing a Game 1 victory in the second round against the Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a challenging situation. Star player Stephen Curry is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and the team is still perceived as the underdog in the series matchup. They will need to manage without his significant offensive contributions for at least a week. However, coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic that their defensive capabilities can see them through the playoffs.
“We think we have the best defense in the league,” the coach stated on Wednesday. “That`s been proven over the last couple months. It`s based on defensive efficiency but also based on our confidence and Draymond [Green] behind the play, and Jimmy [Butler]. We can rely on our defense and we have to generate offense off of our D and then we gotta figure out different ways to attack without Steph.”
With Curry sidelined, Jimmy Butler will need to take the reins on offense, and Buddy Hield will likely continue to receive numerous shooting opportunities. Nevertheless, Kerr highlighted defense as the crucial element for winning the series, indicating that Draymond Green`s role will become even more pivotal than usual.
In their 99-88 victory on Tuesday, the Warriors` intense ball pressure disrupted Minnesota`s flow, preventing the Wolves from establishing comfort. The Timberwolves struggled significantly from beyond the arc, missing all 15 of their 3-point attempts in the first half and connecting on only five throughout the entire game. Green`s defensive presence was particularly effective in denying them clean looks.
“Draymond was doing what Draymond`s been doing for 13 years, for whatever how many years he`s been in this league,” Kerr remarked. “He`s the best defensive player I`ve ever seen in my life. He was everywhere. He was guarding everyone.”
“He just has a way of helping every single teammate by being in the right spot and thwarting different advantages the opponent has. He makes our defense go. He makes the game much easier for all of the other guys.”
Throughout his career, Green has consistently shone during the postseason. He recently became just the eighth player in NBA history to achieve at least 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in playoff competition. He is playing effective basketball and notably made four uncharacteristic 3-pointers during Tuesday`s game.
“They are all hard games to win,” Green commented. “Obviously things get tougher if we gotta go forward without Steph, but it`s the same mission. We are trying to keep this thing going, win as many games as we can.”
Jasper Hawthorne