Dub Hub: Draymond Green felt coming off the bench was ‘best for the team’ in Game 4 win vs. Kings

Rounding up all the Warriors and NBA news from around the web. 

Good Morning Dub Nation,

Despite the tense conclusion to the game, Golden State Warriors fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the team took care of business by beating the Sacramento Kings in Game 4, 126-125. Sunday’s big win means the team avoids a dreaded 3-1 hole while tying the series at 2-2 as both teams head back to Sacramento for Game 5.

The main storyline heading into the game revolved around Warriors forward Draymond Green who started the game off the bench. Despite the role, Green was still critical to the Warriors’ success — playmaking on offense and anchoring the defense when the team needed him most. After the game, he spoke to the press about coming off the bench while head coach Steve Kerr detailed how the idea came about.

The game itself was an intense matchup that came down to the final seconds. The Warriors were in control of the game up 126-121 late in the fourth quarter. The usually reliable Stephen Curry had the ball in his hands, however, instead of making his way up court and draining the clock, Curry mistakenly called timeout despite the team having zero to use. The play resulted in a technical and possession for the Kings in which they took full advantage to bring the game within one point. During their post game pressers, Curry and Kerr each took responsibility for the late game snafu.

Down one, with about 10 seconds left in the game, the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year De’Aaron Fox made his way down the court, determined to add a game winner to his already massive 38 point, 9 rebound, and 5 assist performance. Looking to atone for his previous mistake, Curry picked up Fox and played great defense with Green providing timely last minute support. The double on Fox left an open game-winning three for none other than former Warriors player Harrison Barnes. He took the shot as time expired and the rest was history — this time in favor of Dub Nation.

With their next game not until Wednesday, Golden State will get some much needed rest before attempting to steal a game on the road in Sacramento. It’s a best of three from here on out with the Warriors banking on their championship DNA to help them prevail once again.

Here are the rest of today’s stories:

In case you missed it from Golden State of Mind:

• Breaking down Draymond Green’s exceptional impact in Game 4
• Player grades: Game 4
• Warriors tie the series at two games a piece after thrilling 126-125 win over the Kings
• Draymond Green to come off the bench for Game 4
• How the Warriors adjusted without Draymond Green and Gary Payton II

Other Warriors News:

• Thompson: The Warriors’ dynasty flashed before their eyes, but champions don’t die so easily (The Athletic)
• Kawakami: How Draymond Green, Steph Curry and Steve Kerr plotted out their Game 4 victory (The Athletic)
• Steve Kerr, Klay Thompson recall emotions on Harrison Barnes final Game 4 shot (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• Andre Iguodala injury update: Veteran wing could begin drills in week (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• Draymond Green moved by Warriors’ response to suspension: ‘Beautiful to watch’ (San Francisco Chronicle)

NBA News:

• Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks: ‘Villain’ label played role in ejection (ESPN)
• ‘Resilient’ Westbrook impresses Suns as Clippers drop Game 4 (ESPN)
• Tyrese Maxey Is The Sixers’ Star Of Today And Tomorrow (UPROXX)
• Heat’s Victor Oladipo tears patellar tendon, latest injury setback (NBA)
• What If the Trail Blazers Don’t Get It Done this Offseason? (SB Nation)