Draymond Green said he makes a point of never taking Stephen Curry’s greatness for granted after the Warriors star scored 41 points in Saturday’s 126-119 overtime win over Orlando.
“No, it never gets old,” Green said when asked about playing alongside Curry. “He’s so special. Like he always does something to where it can’t get old. It’s always something different.”
Green highlighted one Curry shot in particular, recalling how Jamal Cain was guarding him closely before Curry still rose to shoot.
“I don’t know what in your mind would just tell you, oh this guy’s pressing me just shoot,” Green said. “That’s crazy. I can’t begin to process those thoughts.”
Green explained why he makes a point of acknowledging Curry’s achievements, even after years of watching him break records.
“You work so hard to get into a position and then after you do something so many times, people don’t even tell you congratulations anymore,” Green said. “I try to make it a point to never get bored of his greatness.”
Green also recorded 13 assists, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks against Orlando. He said creating for teammates has always mattered, particularly when his own offense is struggling.
“I’ve always taken pride in getting other people involved,” Green said. “When you’re struggling like I am offensively, you better do something.”
He added that Curry’s movement creates opportunities for the entire team. “You have someone expending that much energy. He does it from a selfless place,” Green said. “I always try to keep an eye on him. Just make sure he gets the ball when he does end up open.”
Green praised the Warriors’ depth after he and Curry began overtime on the bench. Golden State’s reserves built a four-point advantage before the veterans returned.
“That’s 13 years of trust,” Green said of accepting coach Steve Kerr’s decision. “You want to play, but we believe in y’all.”
Green gave Golden State a B+ for its 7-3 start after opening the season 0-3, while stressing that the team still has room to improve.
“We’re still not quite where we want to be as far as turning the ball over,” he said. “Defensively, we’ve gotten a lot better since game one.”
He also pointed to rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s development: “Our second best player right now is a rookie. He’s played 10 games.” Green said the Warriors would improve as Lendeborg gains experience.
Green credited his teammates for the defensive improvement rather than taking individual credit in his 15th NBA season.
“I try to anchor our defense. Yes, I try to make great plays on that side of the ball,” he said. “But I think I was pretty good last year defensively, and we sucked.”
Green also singled out Georges Niang, who scored 11 points in 25 minutes, for bringing toughness and basketball IQ. He compared Niang’s impact to Otto Porter Jr.’s role with Golden State’s 2022 championship team.
“George has been a key addition for us,” Green said. “He’s been right at the center of this winning streak.”
The Warriors host Charlotte on Monday.
