Last week, Draymond Green was ejected in the Golden State Warriors 102-100 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
In typical fashion, the veteran took responsibility for the incident and was evidently motivated to perform well this time around.
The Warriors would avenge that loss with a 130-121 win at Chase Center, with Green posting a monster line on the box score. Finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high 19 assists, Green was involved in everything, spearheading a third consecutive win for the team.
The best buckets & dimes from @Money23Green's historic night on #WarriorsGround
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 27, 2021
11 PTS | 12 REB | 19 AST pic.twitter.com/51Fer4LNqX
"I think you can see that Draymond is in really good shape," head coach Steve Kerr said postgame. "Physically he looks better, feels better."
Billed as the matchup between Steph Curry and Rookie of the Year frontrunner LaMelo Ball, it was Green who stole the show in the first period, dishing out eight dimes in the opening 12 minutes.
First Warrior to EVER reach 25 career regular-season triple-doubles: @Money23Green. pic.twitter.com/eZpPvc07RS
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 27, 2021
The statline made Green the first ever Warrior to reach 25 regular season triple doubles. When asked, Kerr could only think of one current player who compares to Green with the elite ability to defend and orchestrate an offence.
"Obviously LeBron [James] and Draymond are very different players, but just in terms of making an impact on both ends, having that size and that brain to control the game," Kerr said.
As for Green's comments postgame?
"Just me coming out and making it right," he said.
While much of the attention centred around Green's performance, Curry added 29 points on 8-for-15 shooting to go along with 27 points from Kelly Oubre Jr.
A red-hot Ball poured in 10 points in the first period, before cooling off to finish with 22, seven rebounds and six assists for the night.
The win improves Golden State to 19-15 on the season, good for seventh in the Western Conference. When asked, Green hinted that he feels the confidence growing among the group. Watching them play, it certainly appears to be the case which is good timing, because after one night off the Warriors head to Staples Center to meet LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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