The Warriors are one of the favorites heading into this season, but Draymond Green has insisted that the team still has huge chips on its shoulders:
Despite winning the championship, the shots didn’t really stop at all. Many pointed out how the Boston Celtics were overmatched in terms of championship experience, which could or could not have helped decide the series.
The Celtics also couldn’t utilize emerging big man Robert Williams III as much as they wanted due to lingering knee issues. Boston’s defensive numbers were significantly better when its defensive anchor played compared to games when he sat out.
More importantly, some are already dismissing the Warriors’ title repeat bid due to the age of the team’s core and the improvements in the competition. The LA Clippers are considered by these doubters as the team to come out of the rugged Western Conference.
Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are masters at using criticism to add fuel to their competitive fire
After the Golden State Warriors won their fourth title in eight years, Steph Curry celebrated by famously mocking his critics:
Throughout the playoffs and the NBA Finals, he was very diplomatic with his responses but eventually lashed out when the champagne was flowing.
Draymond Green has always been outspoken and never minces words when pushing back at doubters. Before the 2021-22 season started, he gave a fair warning to the disbelievers:
Klay Thompson also had his bulletin board material to bring back after another Larry O’Brien Trophy was in the bag:
Doubters should have learned their lessons by now. The Golden State Warriors are great and could be even better next season. They could also show how petty they are once they’re done proving themselves to the world.
The chips may be different, as Draymond Green indicated, but they are probably just as big to serve as added motivation.
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