Draymond Green Stats: Warriors’ Star Defends Podcast After Bad Game vs. Celtics

Draymond Green has been among the biggest stories of the NBA Finals. But it hasn't been due to his reputation for tenacious defense or posting blue-collar statistics on a team loaded with elite shooters.

Instead, the four-time All-Star has been plagued by foul trouble and a lack of overall production. His podcast and comments that were critical of players from the 1980s and 1990s have also drawn headlines.

Immediately after the Boston Celtics defeated the Golden State Warriors, 116-100, on Wednesday in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead, “Draymond” was the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter. Green fouled out for the second time in three games, posting just four rebounds, three assists, two points and one block in 35 minutes.

Chants of “(expletive) You, Draymond!” rained down from the crowd at TD Garden throughout the game. Boston routed Golden State and moved a step closer to winning their 18th title.

Green addressed the fans and Game 3 on his podcast late Wednesday night. Before recording “The Draymond Green Show," the veteran forward acknowledged in the post-game press conference that he played poorly. Green dismissed a question by a reporter who asked if the Celtics might be listening to his podcasts to get an insight into the Warriors’ game plans and adjustments.

Green provided Golden State a boost in their Game 2 victory, adding nine points, five rebounds and seven assists. Some criticized how officials overlooked his physical play, as the hard-nosed interior defender was only called for three fouls. Green indicated that it affected his performance in Game 3.

“I just let too much noise get into my head about all the other stuff,” Green said on his podcast. “And so, in turn, I let that drag my intensity level down.”

The individual statistics suggest that Green might be a reason the Warriors fail to win their fourth title since 2015. Green has the same number of fouls (15) and points in the series. He has converted just five of his 19 shot attempts, which included missing all seven of his 3-point shots. His regular-season averages of 7.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game are down to 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists against the Celtics.

Six Warriors have a higher scoring average than Green in the Finals. Of the 10 players in the series that have attempted at least 19 field goals, Green’s 26.3% is the worst.

In his 10 NBA seasons, Green has put together a Hall-of-Fame resume. Green has won three titles and has reached the Finals six times. Along with his multiple All-Star team selections, the 32-year-old was twice named to All-NBA teams. Green is a four-time All-Defensive First Team selection and won the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

While his defense and rebounding have earned him accolades, Green has also been known to step up his scoring at crucial times. Green scored 32 points in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. He averaged 16.5 points for the entire series and might’ve won the Finals MVP award had Golden State defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers. He shot 38.8% from three-point range during that season and could punish teams for leaving him open.

But for long stretches, Green has played a less influential role in the offense. Green has seen his shooting decline, with 3-point shooting just a paltry 26.2% in the 2021-22 regular season and playoffs. His shots beyond 10 feet are going in at a 28.6% clip.

That doesn’t mean Green can’t turn things around. Green is probably the best defender on either team and he often does things that don't show up in the box score.

Green’s chemistry with sharpshooter Steph Curry and Klay Thompson has helped the Warriors post the best offensive rating of any team that reached the second round of the playoffs. His awareness of his offensive limitations, coupled with his court vision, have played a large role in the Warriors' prolonged success.

Those assets may get little attention this time around if Green's struggles continue and the Warriors fall the the Celtics.