Draymond Green didn’t hold back after the Golden State Warriors failed to close out their first-round series at home, falling 115-107 to the Houston Rockets in Game 6.
Speaking postgame, Green pointed to the Warriors’ inability to match Houston’s hustle plays, particularly on loose balls. “They probably had 20 points off broken plays and getting loose balls,” he said. “To beat this team you got to make second and third efforts. Last two games we have not done that.”
Golden State, once leading the series 3-1, now faces a must-win Game 7 on the road. Green emphasized that the losses must be left behind. “Game 7 is Game 7. It’s for all the marbles,” he said. “Move on, learn from what we did wrong. It’s kind of obvious what we did wrong.”
When asked if the lack of energy was due to fatigue, Green didn’t offer excuses. “The person who wants the ball more will get it,” he said. “Right now it seems as if they wanted more.”
Fred VanVleet continued his hot streak for Houston with 29 points, and Golden State’s offense stalled in the fourth quarter, missing 13 consecutive shots. Green dismissed the idea that Houston’s zone defense was the problem. “We started off the fourth quarter a two-point game and gave up a four-point play,” he said. “You lose the life, you know.”
VanVleet’s four-point play sparked a 15-5 run that put the Rockets ahead for good. Green called it “crazy” that the sharpshooter was left open. “Fan’s got 17 threes in three games. And he’s wide open coming out of a timeout. That’s crazy,” he said.
Green praised Steven Adams’ impact off the bench, noting the difficulty in battling him inside. “He’s strong as hell… being outweighed by 40, 50 pounds, six inches — it’s tough to box him up,” Green said. He also hinted at frustration with officiating: “Hopefully we’ll get a 3-second call next game.”
Asked whether rookie Jonathan Kuminga could help in Game 7, Green responded emphatically: “He cut out for whatever you throw at him. He built right, the right way for that. 1,000%.”
Despite the pressure, Green isn’t worried about Stephen Curry’s ability to rise in big moments. “We look to him to do something special every night,” he said. “For the last 13 years I’ve been here, I don’t think it’s any different.”
Green also paid tribute to Gregg Popovich following news of his retirement from coaching duties. “He’s one of the most incredible human beings,” he said. “I just wish I had one last time to go hug him on the sideline before a game.”
With the season on the line, Green made it clear the Warriors know what needs to change. “It’s all what we’re not doing,” he said. “Get the loose balls. Defend better. Execute.”
Game 7 tips off Sunday in Houston.
