'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors' emotional anchor, came up with one of his best performances of the NBA Finals in a pivotal Game 5.
Green had been the focal point of both the criticism of analysts and the ire of Boston Celtics fans, but he was pivotal in Monday's 104-94 win. In the process, Golden State won its second straight game to take a 3-2 series lead and can now clinch the championship on Thursday in Boston.
Former NBA superstar Vince Carter spoke about Green's value. He knows that Green plays with a lot of emotions. Carter said:
"That's what they need from Draymond, controlling his emotions. And the bigger picture is doing what needs to be done to win for your team. You can talk all the mess and all the noise you want after you win. ... If they win, look out, Draymond is gonna have a lot to say to Boston fans."
The Warriors won despite Steph Curry having one of his worst shooting performances in the playoffs. The point guard shot 7-for-22, but his teammates came up big. Green finished with eight points, eight rebounds and six assists and was, as usual, valuable on both ends.
Draymond Green is going to keep talking trash
Draymond Green is well known for his trash talking, both to his opponents and to fans. He and the Warriors have complained about playing in Boston, but they have successfully taken back the home-court advantage.
The Warriors' defensive anchor was even criticized for his podcast about the NBA. However, he refused to cancel it as he didn't believe it hurt his team in any way.
If the Warriors close out the series, it won't be surprising if Green releases a special podcast right after the game.
He plays with a lot of heart and winning a fourth championship would further cement his legacy. However, Green can also be petty, and he definitely doesn't like Celtics fans.
Green will have to have another great game
In Game 5, Green fouled out for the third time in the series. While this is a small sample size, he has fouled out in 60 percent of the games, which is too much.
Green will have to have another great game if the Warriors want to win it all. The next game is in Boston on Thursday, and the atmosphere will be tough.
However, if the Warriors forward controls his emotions, this could be the final game of the series. While he is not a talented offensive player, he can impact the game in so many different ways. Most importantly, Green is a fantastic defender and can also impact his opponents with his trash talk.
Guess the Lakers players!
