Draymond Green delivered a raw and introspective postgame session following Golden State’s Game 7 victory, highlighting personal accountability, team trust, and a renewed sense of leadership.
Speaking to reporters, Green credited Buddy Hield’s two-way performance as a decisive factor in the series-clinching win. “He made winning plays all night,” Green said. “Huge game for him—37 minutes. I’m not sure he’s played that amount of minutes all year, but stayed the course when we needed it the most. He delivered.”
The veteran forward opened up about his emotional turnaround between Games 6 and 7, saying he spent the days following their previous loss “embarrassed.” Green stated, “I pouted way too much last game. So I spent the last two days embarrassed—just at what I gave to the game, what I gave to the world. I was embarrassed.”
Ahead of Game 7, Green said a speech at the team dinner became a pivotal moment for the group. “Most importantly, was calling myself out,” Green explained. “You can’t be a leader and not be accountable. You call other guys out when their [play] stinks, you then better say when yours does too.”
Head coach Steve Kerr also played a role in steadying Green’s mindset during a shootaround conversation. “He told me a story—a few different stories,” Green shared. “But the gist of it was just, ‘Go out, have fun, with poise, give your guys something to follow.’”
Green’s self-reflection extended beyond locker-room speeches and into personal rituals. “I listened to all slow music the last couple days,” he revealed. “I went to the spa, meditated… I know I can ratchet my intensity up, but I felt like I was going too far.”
Afterward, he praised the Rockets’ effort in the series and acknowledged their growth. “That team’s going to be a force to be reckoned with,” Green said. “Sengun is an incredible player… Jabari Smith—incredible. He played like a vet this whole series.”
Green also credited Steph Curry’s composure in the fourth quarter. “That’s why he is who he is,” he said. “He just made the simple play tonight… And then he bust out. He knew once, like, ‘All right, now it’s time for me to take over and take this thing home.’”
With the Warriors heading to face Minnesota next, Green emphasized the importance of balance. “I have to keep it similar for my guys,” he said. “Finding that balance, finding that line—not crossing it—is important for me and this team.”
In response to a question about what this stage means after 13 years with Curry, Green didn’t hesitate. “It means a ton to continue playing at this level… And it’s a little more special ‘cause we’ve done it here before.”
He also affirmed the team’s championship aspirations. “I think this group is capable of exactly what we set out to do, which is win a championship,” he said. “We believe.”
Green closed with appreciation for Kerr’s leadership in the lead-up to Game 7. “Number one was coming into the locker room right after Game 6 and saying, ‘That’s on me,’” he said. “But number two, just the belief… he’s the best in the business when it comes to game plans this time of year.”
