Draymond Green didn’t describe the Golden State Warriors’ latest Play-In victory as a relief.
Speaking after Tuesday night’s 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Green emphasized that simply reaching the playoffs isn’t the ultimate goal for the veteran group.
“Our goal is to get to the playoffs so we can make something special happen,” Green said postgame. “It’s not necessarily just to get there and the job’s done.”
Golden State’s win snapped their 0-3 record in Play-In Tournament history, earning them a first-round series against the second-seeded Houston Rockets beginning Sunday.
Green, who recorded 10 assists despite fouling out late, pointed to discipline as the key adjustment needed to beat Houston, referencing a recent loss to the Rockets.
“If we take care of the ball, it allows us to get our defense set,” he said. “It starts with our offense—our offense has to help our defense.”
While Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 75 points in the victory, Green took time to highlight the contributions beyond the box score, citing a bench moment between rookie Quinten Post and second-year forward Trace Jackson-Davis.
“There were no seats left,” Green recalled. “Trace just got up and gave Quinten his seat. That’s one of the most selfless things I’ve ever seen.”
The veteran forward believes such acts of selflessness and chemistry are essential to winning postseason games.
As for Butler—who finished with 38 points and 18 free throw attempts—Green didn’t hold back on his respect.
“He’s different,” Green said of his new teammate. “That one’s real. Playoff Jimmy is a real thing.”
Green added that Butler’s impact extends beyond scoring, noting the forward’s vocal leadership and increased defensive intensity over the last week.
“He’s yelling now,” Green said. “It’s a totally different person.”
Looking ahead, Green said the team’s preparation over the next few days will be critical but trusts his teammates’ experience.
“We’re a pretty veteran team,” he said. “You don’t have to have your body ready until Sunday. Everyone knows what they need to do.”
Curry closed the game with 10 straight points, including a corner three after telling Green to stick to the team’s action instead of freelancing.
“He very nicely told me that it wasn’t time for me to shoot,” Green said with a smile. “I got him the ball the next play—he hits a three.”
The Warriors will now face a Rockets squad that secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record, posting a top-five defense and winning seven of their final ten games.
Golden State, meanwhile, is banking on veteran experience and internal trust to carry them through the next challenge.
“The moment gets bigger, but the game doesn’t change,” Green said. “It’s the same game.”
