The Golden State Warriors arrive at Wednesday’s play-in game against the Los Angeles Clippers as a team that has been through more than most this season. Injuries gutted the roster for stretches. Stephen Curry missed 27 games with runner’s knee. Jimmy Butler is done for the year. The continuity that championship teams rely on never had a chance to develop.
Through all of it, Draymond Green kept showing up. And Curry was watching every step of the way.
On Tuesday after practice in Los Angeles, per Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, Curry opened up on what that period felt like and what Green meant to him during it.
What Curry Said About Green
GettySteph Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
Curry did not hold back when asked about watching his longtime teammate carry the load during his absence.
“I kept telling him I felt bad for him, because I couldn’t do anything to help him,” Curry said. “But he was battling, showing up every night, giving us what he had.”
He went further, describing just how close he came to not making it back at all this season.
“When I got hurt, initially, I didn’t think I was going to be out that long, and then it dragged on and dragged on,” Curry said. “Two weeks ago, there was a couple days I didn’t know if I’d have the chance to even get out there. I’m grateful, no matter how it turns out.”
The words carried the weight of someone who understands what it means to be on the sideline watching a teammate fight alone. Curry never wanted to shut it down. His competitiveness would not allow it. Watching Green battle night after night without him only made that drive stronger.
What Green Did in Curry’s Absence
In the 27 games Curry missed, Green played in all but four. That is not the behavior of a player going through the motions. That is someone competing with everything he has regardless of the circumstances around him.
Steve Kerr described Green as “extremely engaged” during the team’s scouting report and film sessions on Monday. Green elaborated on what that engagement looks like in practice.
“Just really trying to share different things that may not get covered,” Green said. “Trying to be another set of eyes for our coaching staff. They’re going through so many things when you’re watching the amount of film that they’re watching. What if they miss something? That one thing can ultimately help save a bucket. Saving one bucket could be the game.”
Green’s value has always extended beyond what shows up in a box score. His ability to identify defensive tendencies, communicate schemes in real time, and elevate the intelligence of everyone around him is what separates him from most. That side of him has been on full display this week.
Final Word for the Warriors
Curry and Green have played four play-in games together and 153 playoff games. The bond between them was built through championships and setbacks, and this season added another layer to it.
Curry kept his promise to come back. Green kept showing up while he waited. Wednesday is the reward for both of them.
One game. Everything on the line. These two have been here before.
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