MSU legend Draymond Green needs to step up in elimination game

Michigan State legend Draymond Green needs to step up in an elimination Game 6 on Wednesday night vs. the Lakers.

Since his time wearing the Green and White, Draymond Green has had a very successful NBA career. Four-time champion, four-time all-star, two-time All NBA member, eight-time (!) member of the all-defensive team, two-time gold medalist, and of course won the defensive player of the year award in 2016-2017.

Not bad at all for a second-round pick.

Green has always been known for his defensive ability, versatility, and hustle. He has arguably been the second most important player in the Golden State Warrior’s dynasty (behind Steph Curry). His exuberant personality has also made him a “fan favorite” and “most hated” player… just depends on who you ask.

Draymond Green is known and respected for many things in the NBA, but one that flies under the radar a bit is his play in NBA playoff elimination games.

Draymond Green in elimination games

In Green’s career, he has played in 12 elimination games, 11 if you get rid of a game in 2013 against the Nuggets in which he only played eight minutes.

In those games, he averages 12.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Those numbers are higher than his career stats in every category. He elevates his game when it matters most. And we’ve seen some absolutely nuclear performances from him.

None of his performances have been bigger than his Game 7 of the 2016 NBA finals. It’s almost been a “forgotten” performance due to the Warriors losing and blowing their 3-1 lead, but Green was on another level that night.

He finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists in the loss. All while shooting 73 percent from the floor and hitting six threes. It’s tough to find a more efficient 32-point game than that. Add on his other numbers and near triple-double, if the Warriors would’ve won it could’ve been considered the best Game 7 in NBA history.

Green has had other great elimination game performances in his career as well. In 2014 he dropped 24 points in Game 7 against the Clippers while adding seven rebounds.

In Game 6 of the 2019 NBA finals against Toronto, Green had maybe his most well-rounded performance. He only scored 11 points but hauled in 19 rebounds and dished out 13 assists. He also got it done defensively with three steals and two blocks.

Draymond’s most recent elimination game performance was a little quieter than normal. In Game 7 against the Kings, he had a solid eight points, six rebounds, and eight assists. He also had zero turnovers and had a +/- of +25 in the Warrior’s win. It wasn’t super pretty, but it was winning basketball.

The Warriors are currently down 3-1 to the Lakers and LeBron James. If they want any chance of coming back, Draymond will need to step up and play winning basketball.