Draymond Green returned to action after missing 16 games following his indefinite suspension, confirming there was a sense of urgency to help the Golden State Warriors, who were sitting at 18-21 before Tuesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
He came off the bench and played over 23 minutes, scoring seven points, seven boards, four assists, and a steal. His teammate Stephen Curry continued to carry the offensive load as he paced the Warriors with 26 points. Andrew Wiggins went off for 16, while Jonathan Kuminga supplied 20 points and 11 boards from the bench.
Draymond Green knocks down the three for his first bucket back from suspension 🎯 pic.twitter.com/HLoMfSo6ou
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 15, 2024
But the 11 players who took the floor for the Warriors could not outscore the Grizzlies, who only had nine players in the ball game.
Seven players were unavailable for Memphis, including Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, Brandon Clarke, and Steven Adams.
But all four players available for the Memphis bench did step up, scoring in double digits.
The key difference? The Grizzlies shot 20 of 54 threes, while the Warriors were only able to make 10 of 31.
Vince Williams Jr. made 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block for Memphis, while 19-year-old GG Jackson racked up a career-high 23 points off the bench, along with six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
The youngest player in the NBA even got a nod during the TNT interview, and the reaction to hearing Shaquille O’Neal address him is adorable.
“It’s an honor to hear your voice. I appreciate you,” GG said told Shaq.
Youngest player in the NBA, GG Jackson's reaction when he heard Shaq interviewing him after dropping 23 PTS ?? pic.twitter.com/hfpIXCnY6N
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 16, 2024
Safe to say the big man is aware of this young man’s game now.
The Grizzlies improve to 15-25, while the Warriors drop to 18-22.
What he said
Currently, the Warriors sit at No. 12 at the Western Conference. The returning Draymond Green was frank that there was a “lack of pride” in the team’s one-on-one defense.
“Until we take that pride, it’s gonna be the same old story. Communication doesn't matter. If you don't take pride in one-on-one defense, communication doesn’t matter,” he said, apologizing for an inadvertent curse word.
🚨NEW WORDS🚨
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) January 16, 2024
Draymond Green said lack of "pride" in one-on-one defense was to blame for the Warriors' troubles on defense.
In a general sense, it's true. To be more specific, lack of containment at the POA, unnecessary gap help, and not being able to set a proper defense due… pic.twitter.com/ll1LAAeT3B
The 6-foot-6 forward is expected to be part of the starting lineup once again and may see more playing minutes in their next matchup with the Utah Jazz on Thursday, Philippine time.
Scoreboard
76ers 124, Rockets 115
Mavericks 125, Pelicans 120
Pistons 129, Wizards 117
Magic 98, Knicks 94
Hawks 109, Spurs 99
Grizzlies 116, Warriors 107
Cavaliers 109, Bulls 91
Celtics 105, Raptors 96
Heat 96, Nets 95 (OT)
Jazz 132, Pacers 105
Lakers 112, Thunder 105
