The increased physicality of Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Finals, which the Golden State Warriors won in convincing fashion to tie the series with the Boston Celtics, has been a major talking point in the following days. Draymond Green’s ability to set the tone/antics depending on which side you’re on, have been a focal point.
On the very first play of the game, Green met Al Horford well beyond the 3-point line and forced a jump ball. He carried that intensity throughout the game, and was instrumental in the Warriors’ win. At the same time, he once again came close to crossing the line and hurting his team. He picked up a technical foul in the first quarter after getting into it with Grant Williams, and could have had another one after an incident with Jaylen Brown in the second quarter.
While Green is well aware of the fact that he’s playing with fire at times, he told reporters on Tuesday that he feels it’s his responsibility to play with intensity and give his team an edge. His full response:
“I just thought [the physicality] was something that we needed to bring. You get to the NBA Finals and physicality and meeting force with force is important. It’s just something that you have to bring to this game.”