Warriors' Green on bouncing back in Game 4: 'My mom and grandma told me I was crying too much'
Andre Iguodala's insertion into the Golden State Warriors' starting lineup was lauded as the x-factor in the team's series-tying Game 4 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but don't discount Draymond Green's hand in the W.
Green put together his finest performance of the NBA Finals thus far, posting 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block in 32 minutes.
Despite his stellar all-around showing, the versatile forward instead used his postgame media availability to criticize his performance over the series' first three games.
"We had been soft through three games, and it was all my fault," Green said. "I wanted to come out and change that."
And for those who may have noticed that the usually demonstrative Green appeared more reserved in his interactions with officials, he had a postgame explanation for that, too.
Draymond on complaining to refs: “My mom and grandma told me I was crying too much.” Said he was "looking like a punk who can’t play"
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) June 12, 2015
Green concluded his media conference by paying his respects to a surprise guest.
Draymond Green finishes and points to Metta World Peace Ron Artest in back row: "Living legend right there! Respect!"
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) June 12, 2015
Green's postgame presser produced the type of headline-grabbing quotes he's become a media favorite for, but his game - and one in-game moment, in particular - did all of the necessary talking on Thursday.