In Game 1 of the Western Conference semis, Anthony Davis put up 30 points and 23 rebounds, the first 30–20 game by a Laker in the postseason since Shaquille O’Neal. In Game 2, Davis scored only 11 points and grabbed just seven boards in a 27-point loss. The biggest reason why? Draymond Green.
The Warriors cruised to a victory in Game 2, sending the series back to Los Angeles knotted up at one game apiece. There were a few keys to their success in their Thursday-night victory, including a hot shooting night from Klay Thompson and struggles from some of the Lakers’ role players. Arguably, nobody had a bigger impact on the game than Green, however, who displayed his championship brilliance on both ends of the floor.
For starters—literally—Green’s individual capabilities allowed Steve Kerr to tinker with his starting lineup for Game 2. JaMychal Green got the nod over Kevon Looney on Thursday, giving the Dubs more shooting in their opening five. The gambit paid off, as J-Myke hit three threes in his 13 minutes of action. That adjustment is only made possible by the existence of someone like Draymond, who, despite his 6'6" frame, is still able to match up with practically any big man in the NBA. In Game 2, the task for Green was to slow down AD, who was far and away the best player on the floor to begin the series.
