Why was Draymond Green benched in Game 4 of the NBA Finals? Warriors star not ‘thrilled’ with decision

Draymond Green played so badly in Game 4 that his Mom shamed him on Twitter. And he was even benched for a significant portion of the fourth quarter.

After three quarters, Green had a decent stat line of five assists, four rebounds, and three steals. But Green just didn’t seem as caged as he’s known to be, and to make matters worse, he made virtually no impact on either end of the court.

Green’s ineffectiveness forced Warriors coach Steve Kerr to make a drastic decision. About five minutes into the fourth, he benched Green in favor of Kevon Looney. The move was key to Golden State’s ability to extend the lead as the Warriors looked more united on offense and more aggressive on defense.

“We took him out and got Loon maybe around the eight-minute mark, maybe 7:40, which was our plan anyway,” Kerr said after the game. “But Loon played so well and Jordan Poole played so well, so we just stayed with the group.”

Green returned at 3:41 in the game but was repeatedly substituted on and off when Kerr decided to make attack/defense switches with him and Poole. However, the Warriors’ big man made some big plays at the stretch.

Green had a crucial offensive rebound late in the quarter and about a minute from time he made a key pass to Looney for a layup that took the Warriors to seven.

Overall, however, Green was benched for about five minutes in the fourth quarter of a crucial Game 4. And as you’d expect, the hyper-competitive Green wasn’t too keen on the bench press.

However, he understands why Kerr made the decision.

“I’m definitely never thrilled to go out with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter in a game you absolutely must win,” Green said after the game. “I’m not going to sit here and pretend I’m thrilled. I am a competitor.

“But at the end of the day, if the coach decides that, then roll with it. You know, I had to keep my head in the game and, you know, whenever I came back in, try to make a few games. That was just my way of thinking. You know, don’t make too much of it.”

Green’s selfless nature and do-it-for-the-team attitude have always been important to Golden State’s success. It’s a mindset that all warriors share as they focus on winning and nothing else.

“We obviously understand that it’s all about winning,” Stephen Curry said of Green after Game 4. “At the end of the day, all decisions are based on that being the goal. And I know we’ve all been on The side where it ain’t top down It’s no fun. It’s something you don’t readily accept, but you understand the big picture and, of course, especially when it pays off.

NBA Finals 2022 schedule

Here’s the full schedule for the 2022 NBA Finals.

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