Draymond Green addressed the media following the Golden State Warriors’ 117-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4, taking accountability for his recent silence and emphasizing the urgency facing his team.
“I felt like a coward,” Green said, explaining why he didn’t speak after the Warriors’ Game 3 defeat.
With Golden State now down 3-1 in the Western Conference semifinals, Green said the mindset is simple: “Win one game.”
He emphasized the importance of treating Wednesday’s Game 5 as a singular focus, stating, “You win one, everything changes.”
The Timberwolves dominated the third quarter with a 17-0 run and shot 47.1% from beyond the arc, which Green acknowledged as a turning point.
“We defended good in spurts, but they got going and we never was able to put out the fire,” Green said.
Anthony Edwards’ buzzer-beating three to end the half and a barrage of tough shots highlighted what Green described as a lack of execution in critical moments.
“You get on a run, and you can’t let their best player break the run up,” he said, pointing to the team’s need for better collective defense on Edwards.
Green also commented on Golden State’s low three-point volume, attributing it to missed opportunities and hesitation.
“Everybody got to be ready to shoot… when you’re without Steph, the first good look is usually the best one,” he noted.
Stephen Curry has missed three straight games with a hamstring injury, and Green made clear there would be no rush to bring him back.
“We not going to Superman this thing,” Green said. “If he can [play], he will. But there’s no pressure.”
On Curry’s morale, Green shared that the two-time MVP remains engaged despite his absence.
“He’s in here eight, nine hours a day working… he’s talking, communicating with everyone,” Green said.
Green praised Jonathan Kuminga’s consistency, saying the second-year forward “has been putting pressure on the rim” and is expected to play a major role again in Game 5.
When asked about what it will take to avoid elimination without Curry, Green was direct: “Got to come up with all the loose balls… can’t give up 117 points.”
He also accepted responsibility for Jimmy Butler III’s limited production in Game 4, citing poor spacing and decision-making on his part.
“I don’t think I got him the ball in good spots… that’s on me,” Green said.
Draymond also weighed in on the playoff injuries across the league, offering support to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who exited Monday’s game with a leg injury.
“Send my love to JT. Never wish any injury on anybody,” Green said.
Game 5 tips off Wednesday in Minneapolis, where the Warriors will try to extend their season without Curry and reverse a three-game slide.
