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Michigan State Basketball: Draymond Green dominating 2019 NBA Playoffs

By Connor Muldowney

PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the first half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the first half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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People called him “overrated” and a “product of the system” but former Michigan State basketball star Draymond Green is silencing all doubters.

Draymond Green was coming off his worst season since his second year in the NBA. Everyone was quick to dub him “overrated” and that’s something he’d heard throughout his career, but this time it felt different.

For the first time in years, fans had a point. He had put up his lowest points per game total since 2013-14 and his 7.3 rebounds per game were also his lowest since that season. He averaged under 7.0 assists per game for the first time since 2014-15 and his blocks, steals and minutes were all the lowest they’d been in five years.

Had Draymond gone from the NBA’s best defender and All-Star talent to an above average defender with below average offense?

It seemed like he’d lost his touch and his career was trending down.

And then the 2019 NBA Playoffs started.

Draymond lost about 25 pounds before the playoffs started and reset his entire mindset. He’s become a more positive person and player and has been the leader the Warriors need without Kevin Durant. His season averages now seem like a distant memory as he’s averaging 13.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals. All have surpassed season averages.

Green is having a major impact on both ends of the floor and many could argue he’s the reason Golden State is one game away from sweeping the Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals without Durant.

No one is quite as versatile as Green and he’s become Mr. Triple Double in the postseason, one win away from being the Western Conference Finals MVP.

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All the criticism of Draymond this season now seems silly as he’s shown up when it matters most, putting the Warriors on his back. He’s the perfect example of a Spartan.

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