Green becomes 1st Warrior with 3-straight triple-doubles since ’60
Recent injuries to key Golden State Warriors have popularized an opinion that NBA insiders have held for some time now — that do-everything forward Draymond Green isn’t just a role player, or a product of a terrific system, but a unique star worthy of discussion as one of the players most essential to his team’s success. Stephen Curry gets most of the attention for good reason, but the Warriors would not have half their versatility without Green, the fulcrum of the system. He’s as responsible for Golden State’s season-defining greatness as any other member of the organization.
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The Warriors returned a healthy Curry and Harrison Barnes to the lineup for Monday’s matchup with the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena, but that didn’t stop Green from putting up big numbers and reaching a notable milestone in franchise history. Coming off triple-doubles in each of his last two games, Green put up his third straight with 13 points (5-of-8 FG), 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Warriors’ 111-101 victory. That makes him the first Warrior with three-straight triple-doubles since Hall of Famer Tom Gola in 1960, two years before the franchise moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco.
Green’s performance was not as overwhelming as when he monopolized the ball with Curry sidelined during back-to-back wins over the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, but Monday’s more economical production was just as effective an advertisement for his talents. Already a max-level player due to his defensive versatility, Green has made great strides as a facilitator and scorer this season to become a shoo-in All-Star selection.
Frankly, Green is making his case for All-NBA First Team consideration alongside a more obvious trio of forward candidates including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard. It remains to be seen if Green can maintain this consistent level of excellence over several more months, but he is now in line to join a very select group of players who have averaged more than nine rebounds, seven assists, and an eFG% over 50 percent for a full season (via @theshrillest). The other five names on the list are startling — Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, Grant Hill, and Magic Johnson. Even if Green doesn’t end up at those levels, mere discussion of the possibility proves his worth.
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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
