Draymond Green’s Clutch Three Lifts Warriors Over Pistons

OAKLAND, Calif. — Draymond Green, despite struggling with his three-point shot all season, delivered a game-winning basket in the Golden State Warriors‘ 115-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

With less than 40 seconds left on the clock and the Warriors trailing by one, Green confidently pulled up for a 27-footer, defying his 0-for-3 shooting performance that night and the notable absence of teammate Steph Curry on the court. The crucial three-pointer showcased Green’s unwavering confidence during high-stakes moments.

“Draymond, one of his best qualities is his confidence, how brash he is,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He did not hesitate. Just rose up, and that thing was pure. Just never a doubt. Beautiful to see.”

Green’s late-game heroics were vital for the Warriors, who managed to maintain their No. 6 position in the Western Conference standings with this win. His performance reinvigorated the team’s momentum and effort amidst a challenging five-game road trip.

“He’s a winner, you know what I mean?” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “So it’s not like you can disrespect him. Again, he took it with confidence to knock it down.”

Although Green has faced criticism for his shooting performance, hitting just 23.3 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc this season, his knack for critical plays remains unchallenged. The Warriors’ success depends heavily on his ability to perform when it matters most.

Green’s history of clutch performances is well-documented, and this game was no exception. Despite his physical wear and tear over the years, including the burden of being undersized at the center position, he continues to defy expectations. At 35 years old, his role remains pivotal for the Warriors, who have leaned on his experience and tenacity as they push for playoff contention.

“I knew it would come down to this,” Green said about his positional play. “But I just didn’t have much interest in doing it for 82 games. It’s a lot … But if you can’t do it for 29 games, it’s over.”

His keen ability to find matchups and score makes him an offensive cornerstone, especially since the arrival of new teammate Jimmy Butler, which has revitalized the team’s fighting spirit. Green has averaged 10.8 points and 6.9 assists since Butler joined the franchise, notching a notable uptick in productivity amidst injury struggles.

As the season progresses, the Warriors find themselves relying not just on Green’s talent, but also on their well-rounded roster. With recommended strategies from Golden State’s sports medicine director Rick Celebrini, Green’s body is managed carefully, allowing him to maximize his performance amid physical limitations.

“I feel very confident that most centers in the NBA, I can outthink,” Green stated, emphasizing his strategic approach to his role. “…I’m not gonna ever back down from anybody.”