Ex-Warriors Center Praises Draymond Green’s Importance And Leadership – 'I Witnessed It With My Own Eyes'

It started when Draymond Green’s comments about winning motivated the Warriors on Wednesday’s 125-120 win over the San Antonio Spurs. According to Cousins, Green’s role helps the team succeed.

“Steph takes takes all the highlights and headlines with his talent, but the heart and soul of that team is Draymond,” Cousins said. “He’s the engine that makes that team go. He’s the voice in their locker room… I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes. The coaching staff listens to Draymond.

“That’s how important his voice and role is to this Warriors team… I think the team heard him.”

It was a much-needed win for Golden State after the team suffered a 126-102 loss to the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Draymond Green gets praised by an NBA analyst following the win against the Spurs

After suffering a tough loss against the Thunder, Draymond Green took the chance to urge the Warriors to step up their game. NBA insider Anthony Slater reported that Green took part in team meetings, including a players-only meeting, before their contest against the Spurs. This helped set the tone, especially on the defensive end.

The one-time Defensive Player of the Year took the challenge of guarding Victor Wembanyama. Although the 7-foot-4 center had the height advantage, Green has more experience being the underdog. His tenacity on that end caused Wemby to commit eight turnovers.

Slater had high praise for Green after that defensive performance.

“What a 24 hours from Draymond Green,” Slater said. “He’s lighting matches in OKC. He’s very much part of the leadership committee, trying to patch things together that he ripped apart.

I don’t watch every Wemby game, but that’s as good as I’ve seen Wemby defended. I think Wemby had eight turnovers.”

Green and the Warriors will face the Spurs for a second time this week on Friday.