Draymond Green calls Mike Brown ‘defensive genius’ after play-in

Apr 19, 2024, 2:04 PM

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 09: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and assistant coach Mike Brown react after a foul call in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

Just days removed from their play-in loss to the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green spoke about last Tuesday’s single-elimination matchup, looked ahead to questions surrounding their offseason, and previewed some of the remaining games.

“They (Sacramento) were way more physical than us,” Draymond Green said. “They shot better than us. They dominated the game, but it comes down to one game, NCAA tournament style, and that’s just it. You don’t get it back. You don’t get another chance.”

The Michigan State alum went on to compliment the Kings’ defensive efforts, limiting Stephen Curry to 16 shots even though he made half of them. “We just didn’t find him enough shot opportunities,” he said.

“You’ve got to give their defense credit. Mike Brown, we know, is a defensive genius,” Draymond Green continued. “Mike got all my respect, especially when it comes to that side of the ball, and he had them guys ready to go. Their defensive game plan was great. They did a good job on everybody.”

Sacramento’s reward for defeating Green’s Warriors is a Friday night play-in matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. The winner will secure the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and a chance to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round.

Draymond Green predicted that game towards the end of the episode, saying, “Without Zion [Williamson], I think the Kings should win that pretty easily.”

Continuing to build upon their success from last season and extending their 2023-24 run will raise the respect they’ve earned throughout the association, as has been the case with Green.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will need one more win on Friday night to keep their season alive and clinch a first-round playoff berth, but the New Orleans Pelicans will stand in their way as the two teams will meet for the sixth time this season.

The Pelicans have won all five head-to-head meetings against the Kings this season, including a 135-123 triumph on April 11th at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Pelicans coverage, beginning at 5:00 PM PST on Game Night before a 6:30 PM PST tip-off from New Orleans.