The Golden State Warriors star encountered a significant loss of confidence during his prime due to a pivotal moment.
Several factors contributed to the Warriors’ rise as a dynasty, including the synergy among the entire organization and the talent they cultivated through the draft, notably with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green at the core.
Currently, the team features older versions of Curry and Green, while Thompson has traded in his Warriors jersey for one from the Dallas Mavericks—the first time he’s worn anything other than a Warriors uniform. Although they are not the dominant team they once were, the franchise is still striving for one more championship under Curry’s leadership. Despite their current struggles, the incredible impact of the trio in the 2010s cannot be overlooked. However, for Green, a particular incident had a long-lasting effect on his confidence.
Green describes a moment that severely impacted his self-esteem. He plays multiple vital roles for the Warriors, including being a tough defender and an effective playmaker known for his high basketball IQ, which benefits the whole team.
The Michigan State alum was crucial to the Warriors’ success during their dynasty, even after Kevin Durant joined in 2016. Nevertheless, there was a gap in his game that was exacerbated by a specific event in the NBA Finals.
During the 2016 NBA Finals, the Warriors allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to achieve a historic 3-1 series comeback, which ultimately decided the championship. Although Green scored 32 points and hit 6-of-8 three-pointers in Game 7, he later shared on “The Draymond Green Show” with former Cavaliers coach Ty Lue that it actually undermined his confidence.
“My mindset shifted to thinking, ‘They want me to take this shot, since I just scored 35 in Game 7 and we lost,’” Green recounted. “So I stopped shooting. I felt they wanted me to take shots. That made me spend two-and-a-half years lacking confidence in my shot, focusing on setting up Steph and Klay instead of shooting myself.”
The Cavaliers deliberately allowed Green to take shots, offering him good opportunities that he managed to convert. Yet, as he noted to Lue, this approach weakened his confidence, ultimately contributing to the Warriors’ defeat.
Green’s shooting appears to have rebounded after years of inconsistency. The Warriors finished the 2015-16 NBA season with a remarkable 73-9 record, but the loss in Game 7 weighed heavily on Green. In the subsequent seven seasons, he struggled, failing to surpass a 30.8% success rate on three-pointers. The addition of Durant alleviated some of Green’s burden, reducing the pressure to make those shots.
However, in the 2023-24 NBA season, Green experienced a significant resurgence. While the team’s overall performance is on the decline, Green achieved a career-best 39.5% on three-pointers this season, currently maintaining a solid 37.7%—above the league average.
Even as both he and Curry age, Green remains an essential component to the team’s success. His newfound ability to shoot consistently from beyond the arc is crucial as the Warriors navigate roster changes and evolving play styles.
