A 16-point Golden State lead had been cut to five, the Denver Nuggets were desperately trying to force a Game 7 and Warriors coach Mark Jackson needed something to change the momentum.
So he put in rookie Draymond Green. And the former Michigan State All-America responded with a driving basket. Then a drive and two free throws after he was fouled.He took a charge. He scored inside again. Green ended up with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the 92-88 victory Thursday night, advancing Golden State to the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio.
“We targeted him in the draft,” Jackson said after the win of Green. “He was awfully impressive in the interview process. He was impressive during the combine process. He's absolute pro, incredible young man. He helped to change the culture.”
And Green, after a rough season of shooting off the bench, has found his long-range stroke in the postseason. A corner three in the fourth quarter was another key moment, helping offset two late turnovers he had against Denver's pressure.
“He's made some big shots, and tonight, he really made some big shots,” Jackson said of Green. “But he's not surprised when he makes ‘em..”