By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr called his forward Draymond Green a Hall of Famer, following the win of their team over the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.
“He’s a Hall of Famer. A two-time Olympic champion. I don’t know how many times he’s made the All-Star, an awful lot. He’s been Defensive Player of the Year. He’s one of the best players in the league. Tonight, he showed why,” Kerr said.
Kerr was referring mostly to how Green led the charge in disturbing the otherwise hot and diverse game of Nuggets star and MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic. The Serbian center had 25 points (on 12-25 shots), 10 rebounds and six assists – which are solid numbers – but his influence on the game was contained and he was visibly uncomfortable many times.
Green finished the match with 12 points, six rebounds and a game-high nine assists. His coach spoke with particular praise about his passing and competitive attitude.
“What makes him great is his competitiveness,” Kerr said. “He’s obviously incredibly smart and he’s a skilled passer. He’s never going to be one of the most skilled offensive players in the league. But what he is is as competitive as anybody I’ve ever been around and as smart as anybody I’ve ever been around. It’s a pretty good combination when you’re playing in the playoffs. You need smart and tough and that’s Draymond. He locks in and you don’t want to be around him too much. He gets antsy and he wants to play. These last five days he was on edge. I could feel it… we needed to get to the game for his game. All energy, all smiles. It’s finally game day. That’s what Draymond lives for.”
"Draymond is a Hall of Famer"
Steve Kerr had high praise for Draymond Green after Game 1. pic.twitter.com/ygXxwDAiwI
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2022