Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry has received plenty of attention for his outstanding play during the 2013 NBA Playoffs. As he’s averaged 26.5 points, 8.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2 steals, on 46.3 percent shooting, 43.1 percent from beyond the arc and 90.6 percent from the free throw line.
Yet, the unsung hero for the Warriors so far during the playoffs has been small forward Draymond Green. In the regular season he averaged 13.4 minutes per game, 2.9 points, shot 32.7 percent, 20.9 percent from the three-point line and 81.8 percent from the free throw line. With David Lee out due to a right hip injury he’srecveived more playing time.
Green makes an immediate impact on games with his energy and defense. For example in game one against the Denver Nuggets point guard Andre Miller got anywhere he wanted to on the court, which included the game winning layup. He wound up with 28 points on 11-16 shooting. During game two it was Draymond getting the assignment to defend Miller the crafty veteran, though he did shoot 6-9 from the field to go along with 18 points, from game three on he shot a combined 27.2 percent.
Not only has his defense been impressive, he’s made the most of his opportunities on the offensive end. He’s averaging 7.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, on 48.8 percent shooting, 50 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent from the free throw line. Recorded a double-double in game six against the Nuggets with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
In the two games against the Spurs he’s averaged 7.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 blocks.