How Draymond Green's Suspension have actually rescued the Warriors' Season?

Draymond Green's suspension during the 2016 NBA Finals was a significant moment in the series and is still discussed by fans and analysts today. The suspension forced the Warriors to adapt and play a different style of basketball without Green, which ultimately helped them win two more championships in the next three seasons. This article highlights the positive effects of Green's suspension, including the forced adaptation, playing small ball, and the learning experience for the Warriors. By playing without their key player, the Warriors were able to evolve and grow as a team, leading to their future success

The 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers was a historic series that had basketball fans worldwide on the edge of their seats. The Warriors were favored to win their second consecutive championship, having won a record-setting 73 regular-season games. However, the series took a dramatic turn when Draymond Green was suspended for Game 5 after striking LeBron James in the groin area in Game 4. While the suspension was a setback for the Warriors, it may have ultimately saved their season by forcing them to adapt and play a different style of basketball. In this article, we will examine how Green's suspension might have saved the Warriors' season and impacted their future success.

The Impact of Draymond Green's Suspension:

Draymond Green's suspension for Game 5 was a significant blow to the Warriors. Green was the team's emotional leader, and his playmaking ability and defensive skills were crucial to the team's success. However, the suspension also had some positive effects for the Warriors.

Forced Adaptation:

The suspension forced the Warriors to make some adjustments and play a different style of basketball without Green's versatile playmaking and defensive skills. This helped other players on the team step up and take on more responsibility. In Game 5, the Warriors started Harrison Barnes in place of Green and played a more conventional lineup. Barnes had struggled throughout the series but responded with a strong performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Playing Small Ball:

In Game 6, the Warriors were without both Green and Andrew Bogut due to injuries, which forced them to play small-ball and rely on their perimeter shooting. This adjustment paid off, as they were able to win that game and force a decisive Game 7. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry combined for 17 three-pointers, setting an NBA record for most threes in a Finals game. The Warriors' small-ball lineup was effective at spreading the floor and creating open looks for their shooters.

Learning Experience:

Although the Warriors ultimately lost Game 7 and the championship, their ability to adapt and play different styles of basketball without their key players was a valuable learning experience that helped them in future seasons. In fact, the Warriors went on to win two more championships in the next three seasons, cementing their place as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.

Conclusion:

Draymond Green's suspension during the 2016 NBA Finals was a significant moment in the series and is still discussed by fans and analysts today. The suspension forced the Warriors to adapt and play a different style of basketball without Green, which ultimately helped them win two more championships in the next three seasons. This article highlights the positive effects of Green's suspension, including the forced adaptation, playing small ball, and the learning experience for the Warriors. By playing without their key player, the Warriors were able to evolve and grow as a team, leading to their future success