Controversial forward Draymond Green lost his cool at Brandin Podziemski for his role in Stephen Curry missing a game-winning shot for the Golden State Warriors. The return game for Curryâs first action since late January featured an electric performance of 29 points in the teamâs 117-116 loss to the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately, Curry missed his chance to end the game in heroic fashion with a game-winning shot attempt.
Green was visibly upset at Podziemski during the final play when he didnât follow Draymondâs order to help with a double screen. The veteran knew that Curry would draw a double team from two larger defenders. Houston sent both Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson to Curry knowing heâd likely take the final shot. Podziemski stood to Curryâs side and watched the play unfold as Golden State lost the game.
The point from Green was clear that he could only help with one defender, and he helped steer the Rocketsâ best defender Thompson away from him. However, Curry had to take a tough shot over Smith that rattled out. Podziemski could have helped Curry get a better look, but the play wasnât executed effectively. Head coach Steve Kerr did not use his final timeout and forced the players to move on the fly.
Play Showed Golden Stateâs Play-In Weakness
Golden State is now locked into the tenth seed in the Western Conference and will have the toughest path to a postseason spot. The play-in scenario now sees the Warriors forced to win two road games in a row against some combination of the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns to get the eighth seed.
Podziemski and Green failing to get on the same page for a pivotal Curry shot exposed the lack of chemistry Golden State currently has. Most teams have been playing together for most of the season, but Curry has been out of action for over two consecutive months.
Golden State making the change of trading Jonathan Kuminga for Kristaps Porzingis also completely changed the rotation with a new starting center. Curry was ruled out shortly after Jimmy Butlerâs injury and has not played with the current roster in quite some time. The Warriors will have a few games left to gain chemistry and pose a threat to make the playoffs.
Draymond Green Didnât Need To Show Up Podz
Green may have been in the right over his suggestion to Podziemski and is not wrong over trying to argue his point. Golden State lost a game that could have helped their chances of moving up in the play-in seeding.
However, the outburst becomes a story and puts Podziemski in a negative light after Green yelled at him after Curryâs miss. Green has a negative reputation for disrespecting his teammates and showing them up in public situations.
Both Kevin Durant and Jordan Poole departed the Warriors due to personal issues becoming public. Green showed that heâs not past this issue and will publicly embarrass his teammates for making a mistake. Golden State must improve at these issues for the play-in and any chance at success next season.
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