During the offseason, the Warriors lost the combination of veteran experience and toughness with players who had to fight and scratch their way to fame in the NBA. These components have been integral to any championship team and contributed to the Warriors’ slow start to the season.
JaMychal Green was supposed to fit there.
Green, 32, is in his fifth franchise and entering his ninth NBA season after being drafted out of Alabama. The Warriors have a long history of playing against him, jumped at the opportunity to sign green to a one-year, $2.6 million contract when he became a free agent in the summer.in golden state 120-114 win over Cleveland Cavaliers The absence of six players and four starters at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday night indicated why.
“For him to come back in a month and bring that kind of power, beat Three Three,” Steve Kerr told reporters in Cleveland after the win. [the win].”
At the 7:49 mark of the first quarter, Green checked into his first game since December 18, 2022. Two minutes later, Green defensively grabbed his rebound and ran down the court, and at the top of the arc he scored a 3-pointer. After Thursday night’s overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, all in plain clothes, rose from their seats and clapped three fingers in celebration. Threw.
All three have played in the NBA for over ten years and have the utmost respect for Green. They respected his efforts and wanted him in San Francisco. They also know how much he missed last month because of his mentality as much as his skill set.
It didn’t take long for Green to show his worth in a number of ways. Green said in the first quarter alone he scored eight points and four rebounds and he recorded two of his 3-pointers. By halftime, Green had made three of his three-pointers, his most of the season. He also committed his three fouls in the first half.
“Shout out to JaMychal,” said Jordan Poole. “He gave us some huge boards. He’s another force just being there.”
The Warriors’ dynasty will forever be remembered for changing the game from behind the star power and 3-point line. Along the way, the Enforcers found their role and put it in the ring. They needed the Warriors, and the Warriors needed them.
Green could be it this season. In the playoffs he lost to Golden State three times with three different teams. The 32-year-old Green grunts with a smile, takes pleasure in intimidation, and is happy to do what it takes to win a title.
After missing 14 straight games, first being placed in the league’s health and safety protocol and then developing a right lower extremity infection, Green played 16 minutes off the bench in the Warriors’ 6-point win. scored the second-highest 13 points of the season. His eight rebounds were also the second-most this season.
When asked about his performance, Green replied, “I feel good, I feel good.” “I didn’t know. I was worried about the rhythm and the touch and everything that was there. It feels great to finally get out there and play well and win.”
This has been a long time coming from last month’s frustration for Green. He hit with his COVID during his six-game road trip for the Warriors near the end of the year and had to return to New York for about a week. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and bored in a small room, Green wanted to buy a ticket to go home and put an end to his unfortunate situation.
While he was watching movies and binge shows, teammates and coaches were constantly checking in on the green.It was a first for the Warriors and it came a long way. Then he developed an infection in his leg. This is another problem in a tough season for veterans.
“Don’t pop the bump, don’t pop the pimple,” Green said. “It was crazy and unexpected. I thought it was something that would go away quickly, but it flared up in me and it got worse. I’m glad I caught it before it got worse.”
Not long ago, Green had trouble walking, had to stay in the hospital overnight, and was out for a month. Coming into Friday night, he was averaging 5.8 points and his 4.0 rebounds while only making 26.5 percent of his 3-point shots. Coming into the game, Green’s 112 defensive his rating was the worst of his career and his 108 his offensive his rating was his second worst.
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But in the final game before being shelved for so long, Green scored 15 points with seven rebounds and two 3-pointers in a win against the Toronto Raptors. scored 15 points in a loss to the Indiana Pacers in 2016.
Adapting to a new team is not easy. Green began to find his stride and found his freedom. That’s the feeling Kerr pushed on him more than anything else. I heard the message clearly.
“Before COVID, we were free to play,” said Green. “I got out of my way and didn’t think too much about the game or mistakes. I just came out and played freely.
“Tonight, Steve told me, ‘Go out and play freely. I know I missed some games. I know I might make mistakes, but I’m just going to play. Only. I needed to hear it.”
Role players have been missed this season. The importance of Green’s role was evident in his first game return, where he scored an improbable victory before a happy return.
