Revenge is a dish best served with a triple-double.
Draymond Green led the way, and the Warriors earned their first three-game winning streak of the season after a 130-121 victory against the Hornets on Friday, avenging Green’s mistake in Charlotte from earlier in the week. The win came after triumphs against two other teams — the Knicks and Pacers — that had also beat Golden State earlier in the campaign, making the win even sweeter for Green and the rest of the team.
Green had a career-high 19 assists to go along with 12 rebounds and 11 points to complete his triple-double, and he helped light a fire under the team early. They shot an incredible 77 percent in the first period, assisting on 16 of their 17 field goals. Green had eight of those assists by himself.
Here are Green’s highlights, courtesy of the Warriors’ Twitter account. This was the first time a Warriors player had 19 assists since Baron Davis in 2008, in Golden State’s 48-win season that followed the “We Believe” playoff run.
As one can clearly see from the highlights, Green’s teammates are learning to move without the basketball and be a target for passes from wither Green or star guard Steph Curry. Kelly Oubre Jr. has improved the most in that area and benefited greatly on Friday night.
It’s a point Green was sure to mention postgame. Here he is talking about his teammates, via 95.7 The Game.
I agree with Green, no doubt. The team is starting to see the same picture and play within it to beautiful effect. But my takaway is different. Green’s confidence around the hoop appeared to be back on Friday.
My favorite part of the game was when Green made a difficult layup and looked at his right hand, a la Andre Iguodala, after he made it. That was a clear sign of confidence around the bucket from Green, and that’s all the Warriors need from him on offense. Plus, he even hit one 3-pointer in three attempts.
Because if Green can’t score in double-digits, there’s no triple-double. And perhaps the Warriors don’t win this game. Just the threat of his scoring is such a weapon. And with his new teammates finally seeing the complete picture, Golden State has a chance to hit another gear as a squad.
The road won’t be easy, however, with a difficult schedule ahead. First up, the defending-champion Lakers on national television Sunday night.
(Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
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