NBA Finals 2022: Green praises Curry after Warriors level series
Stephen Curry was key for the Golden State Warriors as they defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.
Draymond Green heaped praise on Golden State team-mate Stephen Curry after the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics to level the 2022 NBA Finals on Sunday.
The Warriors were up by 29 points at one stage in Game 2 at Chase Center, on their way to winning 107-88 and making it 1-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Curry was transformative on and off the ball in both offensive and defensive senses, finishing with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and something even more reflective of his overall impact, an astounding net rating of +39.6.
“I thought he was incredible”
Green was full of praise after the win, putting Curry’s status even before Kevin Durant left for the Brooklyn Nets into perspective.
“I thought he was incredible,” Green said post-game. “Most importantly, his decision-making was great. He got off the ball, he didn’t drive into traffic, he took what the defence gave him.
“I think for the first six minutes of that game he had zero points. He wasn’t forcing anything and let the game come to him, and we all followed that.
“Our offence is always a lot of Steph. It all starts with Steph. When KD [Durant] was here it still started with Steph, and that’s the way it’s going to be.”
The barrage of three-pointers by the Warriors obscured Curry’s three steals and ability to stay in front of the ball, especially given the latter has been an important factor in each of the Warriors’ previous three series in the Western Conference this post-season.
Curry has worked hard on his defensive game, says Green
Despite offensive focus from opposition teams onto Curry, Green insisted the former unanimous MVP has worked to improve defensively and should be respected on that side of the court.
“I have been talking about it for the last couple of years, how much he’s improved on that side of the ball” Green said. “Teams used to try to call him into every action and just try to pick on him.
“That’s doesn’t work anymore. He guards, and we’re all there behind him if he does need help but hasn’t been needing that often and it’s great.
“I’ve spoken about how much stronger he is. He’s able to hold his ground, so you’re not able to bump him off his spot, and that’s been huge for us. I’m not shocked he’s playing that type of defence.”