Draymond Green, a star player for the Golden State Warriors, has expressed his preference for playing the Sacramento Kings in the playoffs this season due to the reduced travel that it would entail. Green highlighted the extensive traveling that the team had to endure during last season’s playoffs when they faced the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference.
.@Money23Green wants Sacramento in the playoffs but not for the reason you think pic.twitter.com/cBtVFSuRWH
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) March 27, 2023
Playing the Kings would be a more convenient option for the Warriors, taking into consideration the wear and tear on their bodies, particularly the veterans. He stated: “I am not upset at if the standings shook out how they did today and we met Sacramento in the first round,” Green said. “Not because I think Sacramento is a weak team – because the travel is so much easier.”
Draymond Prefers Playoff Matchup Against Kings Despite Impressive Season
The Warriors have an impressive record, having won the NBA Finals four times since the 2014-15 season. On the other hand, the Kings have had little playoff experience as a franchise, having not made the playoffs since the 2005-06 season. Many of the players on the team have not participated in an NBA playoff series.
Although Green may not openly acknowledge that the Warriors would have an advantage due to the Kings’ lack of playoff experience, it could help Golden State’s chances of repeating their success. However, the Kings have played well throughout the season and boast one of the top offenses in the NBA, led by All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
The Warriors also have a high-powered offense with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole. Both teams play at a fast pace, with Golden State ranking first in the league in pace, and the Kings 11th.
The Warriors could face an even tougher road to the NBA Finals this season if they fail to secure a top-four spot in the Western Conference. If the team lands in the No. 5 seed or worse, they could potentially play every round of a playoff run with the opposing team having home-court advantage in the series. The Warriors have struggled on the road this season, winning only nine of 29 games away from Chase Center./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22212468/KOC_warriors_getty_ringer.jpg)
In conclusion, Green’s preference for playing the Kings in the playoffs this season is understandable, given the travel implications. However, with the Kings’ impressive performance this season and the Warriors’ struggles on the road, any playoff matchup will be challenging for both teams.
Draymond Green Recognizes Los Angeles Lakers as a Serious Threat in the Western Conference Playoffs
Golden State Warriors’ forward Draymond Green believes that the Los Angeles Lakers could be a significant threat in the Western Conference if they make the playoffs. Despite their current No. 10 seed position in the standings, the Lakers have improved their roster by adding D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasely, Jarred Vanderbilt, Mo Bamba and Rui Hachimura around the trade deadline, making them a more formidable team. Even with LeBron James out of the lineup due to a foot injury, if he can return for the end of the regular season, the Lakers could rise in the standings.
There is still a lot of mobility in the standings for teams in the play-in picture as only three games separate the No. 5-seeded Los Angeles Clippers from the No. 12-seeded Utah Jazz in the West. Green and the Warriors hold the No. 6 seed, 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers. Green recognizes the Lakers’ potential with two superstars in James and Anthony Davis on the roster, as they led the team to an NBA title in the 2019-20 season when both were healthy.
