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22 Days Suspension Proved “Therapeutic” for Draymond Green: “I Wasn’t Answering Text Message”

Published 02/17/2024, 7:17 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The 2023-24 season proved to be a transformative journey for Draymond Green. He transitioned from a defensive anchor to an undeniable menace on the court. Moreover, with his troublesome performances, Green faced setbacks with multiple suspensions – the second of which was coming as an indefinite one after swinging at Jusuf Nurkic, leading to a 12-game absence. However, upon his return, a rejuvenated Draymond Green showcased a heightened sense of responsibility on the court.

In a candid conversation with the NBA crew, Green attributed his growth to the forced hiatus, labeling it a “therapeutic” experience. During his time off, Green claims, “I wasn’t answering text messages, I wasn’t on the phone” to immerse himself in household chores. This, in turn, paved the way for him to gain a fresh appreciation for responsibilities and valuable insights into life. “For me, it opened my eyes. The way I need to look at my life, the way I need to look at all my responsibilities,” he said.

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The period of reflection and engagement with everyday household tasks has certainly had a profound impact on Green, rekindling his defensive role with a new perspective and vigor. As a result, the Golden State Warriors have dominated their last 10 games, winning 8 of those contests. Notably, they showcase a newfound unity, translating into impressive on-court chemistry.

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Green remains to be the vocal powerhouse that confronts opponents head-on; it’s simply his nature. However, by acknowledging his responsibility as a leader, he has navigated a path that allows him to assert himself without incurring penalties.

Draymond Green is going at NBA superstars

Green has glued back the Warriors squad while managing to inject his on-court swagger to give the Warriors a competitive edge. In a recent game, Draymond Green tantalizingly showcased his on-court intensity, extending his ongoing feud with Nurkic. Beyond the heated post-game exchange of words, Green actively asserted his influence in the game, downplaying Nurkic’s impact on the Phoenix Suns. Moreover, in a nail-biting last-second scenario, he skillfully deflected a potential game-winning shot from Kevin Durant, capping it off with his mocking gestures as the final buzzer resonated.

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Adding to his tactical brilliance, Green got the best of Paul George in a recent matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Through his pointed and sharp verbal jabs, he successfully diverted a significant portion of George’s focus, leading to the star player garnering four fouls in the closely contested fourth quarter. After a struggling half of the season, Green’s strategic arsenal is yet again influencing individual matchups and also adding to the overall team dynamics.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja