Warriors’ Green dominates on offense, defense in Game 1
In a dizzying stretch to start Tuesday night’s second quarter, Warriors forward Draymond Green jammed the breadth of his skills into a quick highlight reel.
Green blocked Derrick Favors’ shot, corralled two rebounds, uncorked a length-of-the-court pass to David West for an easy layup, made a three-point shot and sank a two-pointer.
Green left his fingerprints all over Golden State’s 106-94 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Green not only was involved in most key offensive plays during the stretch, he also shadowed a variety of Utah players on defense — from center Rudy Gobert to guard Joe Johnson to forward Gordon Hayward.
Gobert had his moments on defense Tuesday night — snagging eight rebounds and swatting two shots with his crazy-long arms — but he doesn’t defend multiple positions the way Green does.
The two players also had a brief encounter in the fourth quarter, when Gobert pushed Green as he raced along the sideline trying to start a fast break.
Green stumbled into the first row; Gobert was called for a common foul and, after video review, a flagrant foul.
Green raised his game in the first-round sweep of Portland, averaging 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 4.3 blocks.