Tag: Draymond Green

Draymond Green issued back-to-back technicals, ejected vs. Pistons

Draymond Green tied the NBA lead for technicals after getting back-to-back technicals against the Pistons leading to his ejection from the game.

One of Draymond Green’s best traits as an NBA player is the fiery emotion he plays with, earning him a leadership role with the Golden State Warriors. Yet, at times his raw emotion can collect him a technical foul.

During the Warriors Saturday night tilt against the Detriot Pistons, Green was issued a technical foul by referee Tre Maddox. Green seemed upset after the first technical and quickly received a second, triggering an ejection late in the third quarter.

At the time of the ejection, Golden State trailed Detroit 74-68 in the third period, with Green ending his night six rebounds, three assists, two points and a block. The Michigan State product missed both his attempts from beyond the arc.

Green wasn’t the only member of the Warriors to receive a technical against Detroit; rookie Eric Paschall was assessed the foul after throwing down a monstrous dunk over the Pistons center Thon Maker.

Green is now tied for the NBA lead with Houston’s Russell Westbrook with eight technical fouls on the season. This was the second time this season, the former defensive player of the year has been ejected from San Francisco’s new Chase Center arena.

Warriors set new regular season high for loss total in Steve Kerr era

The NBA season hasn’t even hit the halfway point and this edition of the Golden State Warriors are already surpassing the highest loss total in the Steve Kerr era.

During the entire 2019 NBA offseason, there were questions about how the Warriors would respond after losing the NBA Finals to the Toronto Raptors. When will Klay Thompson return? Can Stephen Curry carry a team with only Draymond Green? How do you replace Kevin Durant?

No matter the answers people drew up, the results in the 2019-20 Warriors season are something only a few could imagine.

Through 35 games, the Golden State Warriors sit with only nine wins and are located at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. A dramatic change for a franchise that’s made five straight trips to the NBA Finals.

Although the Warriors were going through a transition period without Durant, losing Curry to injury early in the season set the Warriors down a path their core has little experience with.

Managing it all from right in the middle is coach, Steve Kerr. The Arizona Wildcat product registered eight total championships from the time he was a player to a coach. Pilling up losses is a new territory for Kerr.

Through Kerr’s first three seasons as the head coach of Golden State, his squad only racked up 39 total losses. In years four and five for Kerr, the team combined for 49 losses, but each season ended in a deep playoff run.

The most regular-season losses Kerr and company registered was last season when they finished 57-25. Now in 2019, the Warriors have already surpassed the most losses in the Kerr era with 27 through only 36 games.

While the Warriors are racking up losses, a majority of them came early in the season when the team only had eight healthy players at times. On top of losing both Curry and Thompson, several other Warriors have missed significant time.

D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, Alen Smailagic, Damion Lee and Kevon Looney have all missed 10 or more games this season.

Although they were still without Curry and Thompson, in December, the Warriors were able to field a fully healthy roster for the first time since the start of the season.

The Warriors recently went on a four-game win streak, even stealing a Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately, the injury bug returned, taking out three key contributors over their past two games. Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) and Russell (shoulder) have missed the Warriors past two games, with Looney (abdominal) missing their last five.

Injuries have hampered the Warriors record, but in a transition season, it’s a new challenge for Kerr and his staff to coach up an inexperienced roster that’s been in flux.

As much of a change of pace 2019-20 is for Golden State, it’s also a switch for Kerr. Instead of focusing on leading a deep run into the NBA finals, he’ll need to turn his attention to development until Curry and Thompson return.

Steph Curry and D’Angelo Russell represent Warriors in All-Star voting

Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell named in the top-six for the Golden State Warriors in the first round of All-Star voting.

Over the past five seasons, the Golden State Warriors have dominated NBA All-Star weekend. Whether it’s Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson battling in the three-point shootout or Kevin Durant running the floor with Draymond Green in the All-Star Game, the Warriors have been heavily involved throughout the weekend.

While things have changed with Durant moving to Brooklyn and the Warriors struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference, one thing remains the same— NBA fans still want to see Golden State represented in the All-Star game.

Two Warriors were named in the first round of All-Star voting on Thursday, with Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell both ranking in the top-six for Western Conference guards.

Curry, who’s only played four games in the 2019-20 season due to injury, ranked fourth amongst Western Conference guards with 191,149 votes. Curry won’t be able to participate in All-Star festivities because of his hand injury, but seeing his name near the top in votes is a nod to the former two-time MVP’s impact across the league.

Curry only trails Luka Doncic, James Harden and Damian Lillard in the West guard voting. Two slots behind Curry is another Warrior backcourt mate, Russell, at 122,499 votes.

Russell has taken on the responsibility of Curry in his first season in Golden State and has impressed. Russell’s averaging 23.2 points and 6.0 assister per game on the season, shooting 43.3 percent from the field— all rank above his career averages.

Injuries have hampered the Ohio State product’s season, causing him to miss 14 games this season. Still, when healthy, the former Brooklyn All-Star has been a tremendous scoring threat for Steve Kerr’s offense. Russell’s registered seven 30-point games on the season, including one 52-point burst against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Two familiar names were missing from All-Star voting with Thompson and Green, not cracking the top-10 in either forward or guard category. Thompson hasn’t played a game this season as he rehabs from an ACL injury while Green has dealt with his own set of injury concerns throughout 2019.

The Warriors are in a transition year as their core is on the mend with injuries. However, with the early return on voting naming two Dubs, there’s still a chance Golden State is represented at All-Star weekend in Chicago.

All-Star voting continues through January 20, with starters announced January 23, and reserves named January 30.

Draymond Green on best four-game streak from beyond the arc since 2017

After nailing two shots from beyond the arc against the Spurs, Draymond Green is making three-pointers at his highest rate since 2017.

Contrary to the Golden State Warriors stumbling in their past two games, the team’s playing their best brand of basketball in the 2019-20 season. Over their last six games, Golden State has registered four wins, and they only dropped the past set to the San Antonio Spurs in late overtime finish with a limited roster due to injury.

Over their recent uptick in play, every part of the team’s game has grown. Golden State’s defense is playing better, they have some depth for the first time all season, but they’re still finding a way to replace Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s shooting appeal.

While that’s a tough task to conquer for anyone, one unlikely Warrior has been heating up from three-point range over his last four games.

Former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green has hit multiple three-pointers for the first time since the 2017 NBA Playoffs. Green didn’t have multi-three point efforts across four consecutive games in all of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

Green’s last four-game swing making multiple threes, lasted from game three of the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs in Portland to game two of round two versus the Utah Jazz. Green made 14 3-pointers on 53.8 percent from beyond the arc in that span.

Green’s hit two shots from beyond the arc in each of his last four games, starting with the Warriors Christmas day victory over the Houston Rockets. Green’s 3-pointers during the Holiday-tilt each came at dramatic moments in the game, swing momentum in Golden State’s favor.

Green’s second three on Christmas day felt like the final dagger the Warriors needed to complete their upset win, not to mention, the former All-Star lit the Chase Center crowd into a frenzy.

Green’s followed up his 20-point Christmas day performance, with four straight double-digit scoring nights, shooting 6-of-20 from beyond the arc in that span.

It’s no secret the Warriors are a better team when Green’s able to step out and knock a long-distance shot, Golden State has won three of its nine games when the Michigan State Spartan product can hit a three.

Green will have an opportunity to build on his hot three-point shooting in 2020, when the Warriors play Minnesota for their first game in the new decade.

Warriors drop ball on New Year’s Eve, falling 117-113 in San Antonio

The Warriors close out the decade with an overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs, 117-113.

Even with the magic of a new year on the horizon, the AT&T Center is a house of horrors for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have struggled to find wins in San Antonio, only winning three games in 31 attempts since the opening of the AT&T Center in 2002. With three key players hitting the injury report before tip-off, things weren’t any easier.

D’Angelo Russell (shoulder), Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) and Kevon Looney (abdominal soreness) all didn’t suit up for San Antonio putting the Warriors at a disadvantage from the start.

Even with a shorthanded rotation, Steve Kerr’s squad battled the Spurs down to the win in their last game of the decade, falling in overtime 117-113.

The Warriors took a two-point advantage into halftime, but Patty Mills and LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t go down easy. The Spurs lead going into the final period. However, a valiant effort from rookie Alen Smailagic, Damion Lee and Alec Burks forced the game into overtime.

In the extra period, the Warriors’ light rotation started to catch up with them, as they had no answer for San Antonio backcourt of Mills, Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes.

Countdown to GR3

After bouncing around the NBA in his young career, Robinson III looks like he’s found a home in Golden State. Robinson continued his career season during the Warriors’ New Year’s Eve date with the Spurs, adding 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field.

Without Russell, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Robinson turned into Golden State’s lead scoring option in San Antonio. The Michigan Wolverine product gave the Warriors a chance to steal a game in San Antonio with his play in the first half. Robinson paced the Warriors in the first half, scoring 18 of his points early.

Lee closes out 2019 making a case for a full-time roster spot

Two-way contract guard is putting in the Warriors in a tough place with his hot play of late. Lee’s solidified himself as the Warriors shooting guard to start 2020, but only has limited time left on his 45-day, two-way contract.

Lee is doing everything he can to make a case for him to stick around with the big club for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, with his game in San Antonio being the perfect example.

Lee tallied 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, adding seven rebounds and two assists. Lee played solid defense down the stretch while hitting a few clutch shots in the fourth quarter, including a three as the play clock expired.

Alec Burks leads Warriors into 2020

Similar to Robinson III, swingman, Burks stepped up with Russell out and got buckets. Burks carried the Warriors down the stretch, nailing several big shots to add to his game high-28 points. The Colorado product was on fire from beyond the arc, hitting four of five shots from long range.

Burks’ stellar play of late could force the Warriors to make a tough decision with the veteran. To start 2020, trading Burks now, or keeping him as a piece for when Curry and Thompson’s return will be a question the Warriors’ front office will have to answer.

Draymond Green loves when Klay Thompson’s temper flares for Warriors

Throughout the Warriors’ loss to the Mavericks, trash talk was thrown around from the bench to the floor and Klay Thompson was in the middle of it.

It’s been 12 years since the Warriors upset the 2007 Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs, but in 2019, there looked to be no love lost. The Warriors four-game win streak snapped in a blowout loss against the Mavericks, 141-121. However, the storyline was how chippy things got throughout the game between Dallas and Golden State.

It’s safe to say the holiday spirit for the Warriors and Mavericks has worn off.

The tension between the teams grew when Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green had a heated exchange in the second quarter. Green swiped the ball from Porzingis and stared down the 7-foot Latvian.

Porzingis and Green were caught exchanging words that didn’t look all too friendly, which led to the two getting separated by teammates.
A surprise Warrior injected himself into the trash talk, injured All-Star Klay Thompson, got off the bench, and appeared frustrated with Green and Porzingis’ face-to-face battle.

After the game, Green was proud of the way Thompson came to his defense versus Porzingis.

“I don’t think I enjoy many things more in life than when Klay gets into it with somebody,” Green told reporters after the Warriors’ loss. “That’s always a treat—so, that was fun to see.”

Saying there are not many things Green enjoys more in life than seeing Thompson get fired up against an opposing player is high praise from the former Defensive Player of the Year.

Both injured All-Star guards, Thompson and Stephen Curry, have been around the Warriors’ on a more consistent basis as both are progressing through injuries.

According to several Warriors players, Curry and Thompson have brought a new level of energy to the team’s sideline, and it’s shown.

Although the Dubs lost against Dallas, they ended their five-game homestand with a 4-1 record with Curry and Thompson in the building— a breath of fresh air amid a season filled with struggles.

Warriors limit Rockets’ All-Star backcourt via ‘phenomenal’ game plan

The Golden State Warriors stifled the Houston Rockets All-Star backcourt with an innovative gameplan from assistant coach Jaron Collins.

It’s no secret the Golden State Warriors have struggled to start the 2019-20 season. Injuries have derailed the roster, with new faces popping into the rotation across the season, but in the Dubs 116-104 win against their rival, the Houston Rockets—the Warriors looked like an image of what set them on their five-year championship run.

The ball moved up-and-down the floor against the Rockets, with all five starters scoring in double-digits, the team added 27 assists. Still, more importantly, they played high caliber defense.

The Warriors had to get creative against Houston’s MVP duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook to seal the biggest upset on Christmas Day in over 30-years.

The Warriors limited Harden to 24 points, the lowest scoring night in his last 10-games. Steve Kerr’s defense took away one of Harden’s favorite spots— the free-throw line.

Harden only had one attempt from the line, that didn’t come till late in the fourth quarter, and he missed it — ending the night 0-1 from the charity stripe. Harden’s Christmas day performance was only the fifth time in his career, where he finished with zero made free throws.

Harden’s backcourt mate, Westbrook, led his team with 30-points, but it took many shots to get there. The All-Star went 11-for-32 from the field and 0-for-8 from beyond the arc. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Westbrook’s 21-missed field goals were third-most on Christmas Day.

Draymond Green, who knows a little about defense, said the Warriors success came from the blueprint assistant coach Jaron Collins laid out for the team.

“You have to give him credit,” said Green to reporters after the Warriors Christmas day win. “His gameplan was [expletive] phenomenal.”

Kerr said the Warriors needed to be “innovative” when locking-up Harden. After the game, Kerr tabbed Harden’s matchups against the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors, as teams who attacked him interestingly defensively.

“Toronto did something interesting with him a few weeks ago. Luke Walton ran a box and one the other night against him in Sacramento,” said Kerr. “That’s who James is. He’s so good that you have to try to do your best to keep him off balance.”

As much of a development year as it is for the Warriors roster, how Kerr and his coaching staff handle a youth filled team full of inexperience, something to follow throughout this season.

Stifling the backcourt duo of Westbrook and Harden goes to the top of the resume for Kerr’s 2019-20 club.

Warriors gift Rockets Christmas coal in biggest win of 2019, 116-104

With the Warriors struggling, they delivered their biggest win of the season on Christmas day against their rival, the Houston Rockets.

The Warriors playing a primetime game on Christmas Day has turned into a holiday institution. However, the cast may have looked a bit different in 2019, but the group played like a Golden State team of the past. 

The Warriors extended their season-long win streak to three games in a 116-104 victory against the favored Houston Rockets. A statement that seemed impossible to believe a month ago. 

Similarily to the Warriors dynasty run, the win against Houston came on the back of their defense. The Warriors limited the Rockets’ potent offense to 37 percent from the field on 100-total field goal attempts. 

Former MVP, Russell Westbrook went 11-for-32 from the field, missing over 21-total shots. On top of that, he went 0-8 from beyond the arc. James Harden scored 24-points, his lowest total in his last 10-games. 

According to ESPN Stats and Info, the Warriors takedown of the Rockets was the biggest upset on Christmas day in 30-years. 

Damion Lee Career Night

Lee, only on a two-way contract, put a punctuation mark on his case to get a full-time deal in the NBA with a career performance on Christmas day. Lee tallied 22 points, three steals, four assists and a shocking 15 rebounds. Lee’s improbable 14 boards were a career-high with his previous high being 11.

Lee made his best James Harden’s impression, knocking down all 10 of his free-throw shots, and going perfect from beyond the arc on two attempts. Lee’s 22 points led the Warriors and provided a spark to the underdog Warriors in their best all season.

In a game featuring three All-Star guards, the two-way contract player, Lee was the best on the floor.

Draymond Green 

Green sealed his fourth carer Christmas Day double-double with 16-points and 11 rebounds, but how he did it was more important than any stat. When Green is a scoring threat, the Warriors play like a different team, and that showed against Houston.

Green was a +20 in the game, with solid defense up-and-down the floor and several big-time shots. With less than two minutes remaining, Green drilled a three to give the Warriors a 115-99 lead, essentially sealing his team’s Christmas Day victory.

James Harden

MVP candidate James Harden registered a double-double, but it didn’t look like a typical day for Houston’s franchise player. The Warriors were sending double-teams at Harden early and often, and it worked.

The Warriors were able to cut down one of Harden’s best assets— the free-throw line. The All-Star leads the NBA in free-throw attempts, averaging 11 attempts per game, but against the Warriors, he only went to the stripe once and missed.

Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Christmas Day’s Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors sports betting odds and lines with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets

The Houston Rockets (21-9) are hot right now — winning four games in a row — heading into their Christmas matchup against the Golden State Warriors (7-24) at the Chase Center for a 5 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Rockets-Warriors odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Special Christmas Day NBA Prop Bet

BET $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) IF ANY NBA team playing December 25th, 2019 hits a 3-pointer. Bet now!

Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

Rockets at Warriors:  Key injuries

Rockets

  • SF Thabo Sefolosha (illness) doubtful
  • SG Eric Gordon (knee) out
  • SG Gerald Green (foot) out
  • C Nene (groin) out

Warriors

  • SF Glenn Robinson III (ankle) probable
  • PG Steph Curry (hand) out
  • SG Klay Thompson (knee) out
  • PF Kevon Looney (abdomen) out

Rockets at Warriors:  Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 119, Warriors 104

Moneyline (ML)

On Christmas Day since 2010, favorites are 31-14 straight up. So, my advice is to PASS on a moneyline bet for either side of this matchup. The Warriors (+500) are tied with the New York Knicks for the second-worst record in the NBA and, despite winning its last two games, are going in the opposite direction of the Rockets (-715), who are currently the 3-seed in the Western Conference. The Rockets beat the Warriors 129-112 – and covered as 16-point favorites – in their only meeting thus far this season Nov. 6. But the value on -715 is simply not there given you’d have to wager $715 just to earn a profit of a $100.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I love the ROCKETS (-10.5, -115) based on the teams’ head-to-head history and how much the Rockets would love to embarrass the Warriors on national TV. It’s not the same powerhouse Warriors team of recent years, but you gotta think the Rockets will still be motivated to get whatever revenge it can vs. a squad that has eliminated them, in heartbreaking fashion, the last two Western Conference Finals. The Rockets will relish in the opportunity to add a little insult to an already injured Warriors team.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 224.5 (+105) is the right play here. 27-34 is the combined O/U record for both teams this season. Also, the Warriors’ O/U record is 7-1 in their last eight home games. The Rockets’ 62.5% Under percentage in road games (6-10 O/U) ranks third in the NBA. Plus, the Under has cashed in six of the last eight meetings between these two.

It’s my hunch that primetime games tend to go Under because of the nerves due to the bright lights and a heightened intensity of both teams. As far as Christmas goes, my hunch is supported with numbers — the O/U is 18-24-3 in Christmas games since 2010.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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34 players who somehow were drafted before Draymond Green

From Perry Jones III to Marquese Teague, the list of players drafted ahead of Draymond Green is astounding. He is one of the greatest steals of NBA Draft history.

Draymond Green was the 35th player drafted in the 2012 NBA Draft, selected by the Warriors out of Michigan State. He’s had a great career and won three championships, which makes you wonder how he lasted so long before being chosen.

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