In an NBA season full of remarkable feats, Draymond Green added another to his collection during Golden State’s narrow 114-109 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans at the Chase Center on Friday night. Green recorded the first double-double in NBA history without attempting a single shot, showing his enduring value to the Warriors that transcends traditional scoring metrics.
Green ended the game with 12 rebounds and 11 assists, complemented by one steal and one block. This performance highlighted his multifaceted role within the team, where he compensates for a lower scoring output with strategic playmaking and tenacious defense.
His effort was pivotal just two games following a scoring high against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he notched 15 points with a 71% shooting accuracy from the three-point line.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr lauded Green’s contributions, particularly highlighting his defensive prowess and competitive spirit as key factors keeping the team competitive against the Pelicans. Kerr’s comments reflect his appreciation of Green’s versatility and basketball IQ: “I don’t care if Draymond shoots or doesn’t shoot,” Kerr said. “He does everything else. He was incredible tonight. His defense was so good, his competitiveness…It’s beautiful.”
Despite the scoring fluctuations, Green’s presence on the court is a significant catalyst for the Warriors. As the team approaches the NBA Play-In Tournament, securing a higher seed becomes crucial. Currently eyeing the Western Conference’s No. 8 spot, Green’s leadership and defensive acumen will be vital in their regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz and beyond.
Green’s performance is a clear indicator of his ability to influence the game beyond just points. His unique double-double achievement illustrates just how critical he is to the Warriors’ system, providing them with a higher chance of success through his comprehensive understanding of the game and his ability to impact various facets of play significantly.
As the Warriors prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will undoubtedly remain on maximizing their positioning for the Play-In Tournament. Green’s adaptability and holistic approach to basketball will continue to play a central role in their strategy.
His ability to perform at a high level—scoring or not—underscores the unique skills he brings to the table, which could be the difference-maker in high-stakes games as the season reaches its climax. The Warriors’ ability to leverage Green’s diverse skill set will be critical as they make their push in the postseason, demonstrating once again why he remains an indispensable part of the team’s core.
