Steph Curry and Draymond Green are an all-time duo | NBA Finals Game 6 analysis

Why did the Celtics offense look stuck in the mud at times? Why couldn't Boston slow down Steph Curry? And how did the Warriors win 4 out of 5 to win the Finals? This film room study details how Curry and Draymond Green were able to control Game 6 of the Finals, slow down Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and win their 4th championship and the last 8 seasons to close the 2022 NBA Finals.
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Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@cheesehead7278]

Showing the charts of Tatum and Browns effectiveness with Dray on/off the court is what makes this one of the best basketball channels on youtube! Basketball is such a data driven game and you always deliver with such meaningful insights. Well done as always!

[@RetroShark360]

Jimmyx and Swishout are goats channels as well.

[@spiritosanto2394]

And mj2kallday

[@jeremyfuller7730]

​@@spiritosanto2394 he's more on the funny side of bball KZbinrs but i do like him. He's just different from JimmyHighRoller and thinking basketball

[@junkjams596]

@@RetroShark360 yungala is a fun channel, not ad technical but lots of fun

[@Harlem1mentality]

The DreamersPro channel is really good to. He doesn’t talk recklessly or negatively about player. He really holds ESPN commentator accountable. An calls them out if need be.

[@Wil_Dasovich]

Bruh thank u for making me understand basketball on a whole other level. It’s like a whole new world for me after coming across your videos

[@pinoyozzyworld]

woah didn't expect you'd be here.

[@rhen4610]

Wil going full basketball head now

[@jhugh27]

Maybe we can see a basketball content from u tsonggo wil 👀

[@burner2363]

@@jhugh27 pls no

[@capalotcory9296]

Smh casual

[@thebxsavage]

This video is the response to everyone saying that "Draymond sucks" or that he shouldn't be talking because Steph was the MVP. That's so silly. He was very impactful on defense the entire series. It's not his job to drop 25. He starred in his role, especially in the closeout game.

[@jisrite]

@Barfieman362 perfect

[@byrongrimsley500]

Because Draymond Green is not that type of player he's not a top 100 he's not even a top 200 player who actually makes an impact on the game who actually changes the flow of the game who actually changes the game if you would have take him and put him on a different team would he be the same player the answer is no but if you were to do that with Klay Thompson Klay Thompson would be the same player possibly the star player he's just not the ball handler

[@Pyps0403]

@@byrongrimsley500 Watch the video and stop hating

[@eberdamilcar2130]

@@byrongrimsley500 this idiotic comment shows you didnt even watch the video

[@augustilagan8496]

@@byrongrimsley500 name 200 players better than draymond green

[@jordandavis3867]

That game 6 was the most professional close out game I could ever remember seeing from a team. Game 6s are usually very hectic and up and down but apart from the 4th quarter when Boston were putting up a run you kinda knew the game was over by the time the 3rd quarter reached. Boston were totally outclassed in every area of the game. GS outpassed them, they outscored them. They outdefended them. I mean my gosh.... It was a real statement to the rest of the league. Let's remember this Boston team sweeped the Nets.

[@CASPER101]

Agreed!

[@spankstar]

yeah, it's need to be noted that the warriors beat a really strong team and with relative ease. Celtics looked like a G league team at times. This shuold have been over in 5 if not for the Celtics role players going off in the end of the first game.

[@sueprator9314]

Speaking of professional or LACK there of, reminded me of when we played the Grizzlies and how GOD AWFUL THAT SERIES WAS as far as immature WE GANGSTA clown show including their coach with their unprofessional b.s. Geez I had PTSD after that series!

[@lekhang151]

@@spankstar Celtics is demolished after this series, now they question themselves for sure

[@iam_champ]

@@sueprator9314 lol Fr the Grizzlies are a bunch of cry babies. Similar to a high school team with all the whining gosh

[@pinoyreformat]

Only breakdown I've seen that noted the difference of how Steph can now beat physical defenses with his added strength and it has made him tougher to stop in the playoffs.

[@packingtroll]

smallest guy in court that guards and cooked the celtics center (horford) horford cant even shake or penetrate under the net.

[@theavatar9191]

It’s insane to me how little free throws he attempted this series

[@CamJames]

@@theavatar9191 they weren't calling anything. he hit the floor every time he drove.

[@HypocritesExposd]

Tatum was scared to shoot with Curry on him. Game 6 he shot once or twice with Curry on him. Crazy

[@theavatar9191]

@@CamJames They got away with so many fouls on him. Would've averaged 35 if he got a superstar whistle

[@josevega2705]

Your breakdown of Draymonds defense was masterclass too

[@joonpak]

Draymond's defense: masterclass. This video's breakdown of Draymond's defense: masterclass. Your response to this video's breakdown of Draymond's defense: masterclass.

[@aldrichemrys]

@@joonpak Your breakdown of masterclasses: masterclass.

[@josevega2705]

@@joonpakMy @@joonpakMasterclass @@joonpakto my response @@joonpak.

[@thebxsavage]

@@josevega2705 say what now? 😂

[@omg_stoppit]

This channel made me respect Curry. Can’t be happy for the Warriors taking the dub, but I hate the Celtics more. This team is amazing. Lakers front office needs to take notes because whatever they’re doing isn’t working.

[@duboisstewart8265]

That ending gave me chills, didn’t even think about draymond and curry like that

[@AmanSingh-bt1rx]

It's always been Steph and dray , klay is a Microwave player who can give you 40 any night but it's this duo that's integral to this dynasty

[@truss3518]

It gave me chills too, I started having flashbacks to when they collapsed near the end of the season with Green injured, whereas before Klay came back this year they were still jockeying for top of the west the whole beginning of the season

[@rafaelnunez4214]

I always imagined them as a kind of ying and yang combination in that each was required to complete the whole of what the Warriors are. Klays the cherry on top with his historical great offense and defense contribution.

[@manuprasad5354]

Funny because klay is like a mix of both. All time great shooter that doesn't create offense, but was/sometimes-still-is an elite perimeter defender.

[@halowarriornav]

@@AmanSingh-bt1rx yea I’ve always felt like klay is more of a bonus. He’s not really a high volume scorer like curry, but he has the ability to be very streaky and get hot outta nowhere. And I don’t think he’s on the same level as green defensively but he’s still a big piece of their defense.

[@adrijiyuda]

We all know about Steph, but Draymond is more than a solid role player for the Warriors. He’s the heart and soul of this dynasty and his impact transcends the numbers. His antics overshadow how good he really is. He’ll be a great head coach one day

[@lnd1998]

He’s one of the smartest players literally ever. Elite playmaker and guys like Bron have said that too. And obviously we know he’s an all time great defender

[@granthoops]

His adjusted plus minus numbers make him look like an MVP level player. The only guys in the play-by-play era (since 1997) with similar 5 year stretches to not receive major MVP consideration (or actually win MVP) are Stockton and Ginobili. Draymond was also playing like 20,000 more possessions in the regular season than either of those guys over those peak 5 year periods.

[@willhooke]

If Draymond stopped talking and acting foolishly, it would change perception of him and more people would be able to appreciate his genius 💯

[@Rudude55]

@@willhooke Let him be himself. I hate people tryna say how someone should or shouldn't be. Wack

[@GeekFromPH]

Sadly, he mentioned in his podcast that after all this. He don’t want anything to do with basketball.

[@randomperson2540]

I never seen a duo with such an athletic and height disadvantage be so skilled and successful

[@noahamankwaah9802]

The Thomas/Dumars backcourt sends its regard.

[@randomperson2540]

@@noahamankwaah9802 very underrated the dynasty stoppers if you ask me…

[@judyclarkson5887]

​@@noahamankwaah9802They got Rodman tho. He's physically got it all to be a defensive key player. While Draymond is all about IQ. While Steph & Isiah are more identical/parallel.

[@norestwicked6125]

Dray just decided that for these last 2 games, he will own up his mistakes and play better, and he did. Dude earned his Arrogance. Michigan Pride.

[@amjohnson86]

Draymond Green always just wins games. I remember time and time again at Michigan State where he just decided it was going to be a win and put all his effort to make it happen.

[@Eli43199]

@@amjohnson86 reminds me of game 7 vs the cavs. dray was basically the only one who went to win and put up insane numbers, although they lost anyway.

[@randomperson2540]

When Curry averaged 31 6 and 5 and against the Celtics, the Celtics had the second best defense in the playoffs holding teams to 102 points. Only players to have 31 6 5 in the finals since the beginning of the 3 point era (1977) against teams that hold them 102 points or lower, are lebron, Kobe, hakkem, shaq and MJ. And Curry was the most efficient

[@alvarocardona824]

This lame ass SPECIFIC ass stat bro. He had an all time series that’s vivid. No need to go all ESPN on us 🤣

[@alvarocardona824]

No hate tho. I like how u backed up ur claim

[@awake3951]

ngl. I love steph but this stat is very cherry picked. But yeah steph is great though

[@randomperson2540]

How is cherry picked? If anything this just shows how great curry is he had a great all-around game along with an elite scoring game. There hasn’t been players other the guys I mentioned who gave you 30 5 and 5 against a finals team with 102 defensive points. Shout there hasn’t even been a player other than the guys I mentioned who scored 31 points in the finals against that holds teams to 102 points.

[@coreyrussell1943]

This a great stat shut yall hating asses up

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

As soon as Draymond hit his first 3 in game 6 we knew it was all over.

[@joshwowify]

Real one knows

[@TheMissinLink]

Like Mike Breen said, he was feeling it!

[@delosreyesvince3909]

yup bro. I remember that one meme saying "everybody gangsta until draymond green starts hitting 3s"

[@adriandaliva1341]

7:20 of the 3rd quarter, this was my favorite play. Curry literally has the "DPOY" faceguard him AT HALF COURT. Forcing the DPOY to guard you at that location is ridiculous. Then Curry does what he does best, 2-man game with Draymond, double screen by Draymond, bucket. Curry had this defense at his mercy for the 4th ring.

[@chavy_chavs]

that was wiggs but yeah curry the man

[@adriandaliva1341]

@@chavy_chavs you clicked at 7:20 OF THE VIDEO ABOVE. I meant 7:20 OF THE 3RD QUARTER, read my original comment again. 🤣🤣

[@ImbetterthanDWade]

@@adriandaliva1341 Where was that same energy when I didn’t have Ben Simmons in the first round ?

[@chomosuke0720]

@@ImbetterthanDWade For what so he could pass an open dunk?

[@ImbetterthanDWade]

@@chomosuke0720 Ben Simmons is light years ahead of Draymond as a player lol

[@thebarcaboardroom406]

I think the celtics messed up when they put Tatum on the floor with 4 others players who cant really create their own offense. all the pressure was on him to score and Wiggins shut that down quick

[@adriandaliva1341]

Tyrese Haliburton called it in JJ Redick's podcast, it was considered a HOT TAKE. Tyrese said Wiggins will be the best defender Tatum will face this postseason, AGED LIKE FINE WINE.

[@mysionmingo535]

wbu jaylen brown ?

[@donnyjones6717]

@@mysionmingo535Just whatvI was bout to say

[@thebarcaboardroom406]

​@@mysionmingo535 I'm talking abt when Tatum was on the floor with Pritchard, Derrick white, Robert and Grant Williams. that's when the warriors went in that 21-0 run

[@mysionmingo535]

@@thebarcaboardroom406 oh yeah your right

[@eddieyang5622]

Just a perfect organization. A++ front office, A++ coaching, A++ player development, and even the owner who is willing to spend every penny to win is A++.

[@janaiah3286]

and their fans too A++ lols

[@dkmrap1]

Nothing is perfect. Get off your knees

[@FireWeezyMarshall]

Draymond Green in Game 6 with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, everywhere defensively, controlling the game late; you just gotta love his defensive masterclass. Thank you for making this perfect breakdown video.

[@Luckie382]

Agreed. Draymond's Defense master- Class was outstanding & priceless!

[@AnimeBeefRandoms]

every other game he has a triple single and plays trash defense tho.

[@markelscott100]

@@AnimeBeefRandoms litterally false

[@sup9542]

He played great in Game 6. He played terrible to very ordinary in the rest of the series, but he stepped it up in game 6. People are overreacting to suggest that he is more important to the Warriors than Klay. Klay averaged 17 and played great defense on Brown. Klay was the best 2 way player in the league and is still getting back there. Draymond only has to play 1 way, so he doesn't have to work as hard.

[@AnimeBeefRandoms]

@@markelscott100 he's career triple single man.

[@MrBonzeMedal]

Draymond, Wiggins, Klay, Looney, Curry, and GP2 were so fantastic on defense. Absolutely suffocating. And man, I don’t know how else to praise Steph Curry. Obviously his shooting and scoring are S-tier. But the commitment he’s shown to improving on defense has to be commended. He’s never going to be a DPOY level guard. But the fact that he’s not a clear weakness shows the level of competitor he is. Also, I want to shoutout how tight Curry’s handle has been. The way he’s able to get to any area on the floor while keeping defenses off-balance and not ever feel like he’s feeling rushed shows that he has such a mastery of his game. It’s like LeBron past 2013. You’re never going to make offensive masters like Steph and LeBron uncomfortable.

[@maxwilson3531]

2016 steph was one of the most unbelievable one player pop off years ive ever seen, and somehow steph is playing better than that at 34

[@chipmunk4892]

GP2 was incredible for the later games in the series. He’s like the second coming of Andre Iguodala, pairing his magnetic hands with Draymond, Wiggins. Amazing cutter on offense. GP2 fits this team like a Glove.

[@idiotshittiot]

Apart from game 4, you could really see the difference when Dray was and wasn't on the court. This is the stuff that casual box score watchers won't see. Draymond is genuinely a generational leader and on court game manager. He has an elite brain to pair with his elite defensive skill set.

[@sup9542]

Draymond sucked most of the series, I don't care what on/off says, that's casual to just look at that. It was 4 on 5 and Steph put the team on his back to get out of the 1-2 deficit. Draymond was clearly ineffective compared to Wiggins, Looney, and even Klay was playing great defense on Brown in addition to averaging 17, not at his pre-injury level but still critically important on both ends. Draymond played great in the last game which is what people remember most, so he looks great in people's short term memory.

[@idiotshittiot]

@@sup9542 Bro just say you're a hater and move on. Don't type me a whole ass love letter. You clearly didn't watch the series.

[@sup9542]

What's with the sensitivity here. Don't need to take a different opinion personal, it's not about you. Draymond himself said he was playing awful. Kerr took him out in the 4th quarter. Steph said he believed he would play better.

[@amjohnson86]

Draymond wins games. Period.

[@jazon8877]

@@sup9542 and brought him back in to close out the game

[@alexandervarga6949]

We need a Wiggins episode for the MASTERCLASS of defense he put on Tatum especially in game 6

[@chibababy]

I dont know if youre just close minded, conceited, pessimistic or secretly a hater. Ive seen a video focusing on wigs defense so its definitely not impossible for this channel. Smh

[@gachapawn6663]

thank you for covering the off the ball movement of Draymond Green. Most of the time he was mocked because he always have the small numbers but seriously hes so good on his role they have now 4 championships

[@straight-uppodcast3834]

He’s so good it’s insane. It’s like every possession he’s being effective on defense and every possession he’s producing ball movement on offense. He’s truly the second most valuable piece on that team, I don’t see the Warriors ever winning without him, even with that KD Curry roster

[@prophet02]

I love watching your videos, especially about draymond. Not a lot of people are really able to appreciate his greatness as a basketball player because of his scoring shortcomings. So thank you for reminding us how under appreciated dray is

[@rbob2416]

Most people don’t like him because he’s a POS.

[@arjunface]

This should be required viewing for so many basketball commenters. People just refuse to understand defense.

[@JDW322]

I think Andrew Wiggins impact will not get talked about enough. His perimeter defence and rebounding was a huge difference.

[@TheMissinLink]

some timely shot making too throughout the whole series. Of course game 5 he was feeling it but he would also sprinkle in some tough shots to stop a run or to keep the rhythm of the game going throughout the entire series. He was fantastic.

[@t4d0W]

I feel you but at the same time maybe its a good thing. Consistency in context of his role is something he had an identity problem with his career and he finally hit a good vibe with the Warriors. When Steph/Dray get the attention Wiggins is doing the old role Klay used to have in his prime as the on-ball pit bull against the best scorer of the other team. Then on offense/rebounding he comes and goes depending on what he can get. But I think the biggest improvement moving forward is his strength as a rebounder in key situations.

[@zairemorpheus]

Dude is a flat out assassin on defense now especially for someone who's been soft until he got on the gsw. Pair that with dray and you got 7ft Wiseman coming back 😮

[@sup9542]

Wiggins got all the shine after game 5. I actually would like to see more analysis of Klay, because people are underrating him the most right now. Wouldn't have gotten to the finals without him. And his defense came back in the finals. He was missing a lot of shots but still averaging 17, one point less than Wiggins, and he got defended harder than Wiggins.

[@LegitSav]

Who isn't talking about him? Everyone talks about how he was a major reason for their win as the #2 option

[@ligance]

Draymond reading that 2nd Tatum Eurostep before he had even made the move was so nasty. Around 2:20

[@bigtone7078]

It's been a great basketball season I'm glad to be a Warriors fan especially after all the injuries sometimes I still can't believe we went from We Believe being the one highlight 4 years and now we have four championships in the last 8 years it's amazing can't wait for next season

[@realessayog6947]

As a LBJ fan, I believe Steph deserves more respect now at the GOAT table. He is 4 out of 6 in the nba finals.. 4 titles in 8 years now that's crazy. Steph made the Warriors a powerhouse.

[@samuel8820]

jeez steph really cements his legacy, and he's really one of the most phenomenal and transcendental player (greatest shooter of all time ) we've ever seen. you cant just hate curry man, he's really perfect epitome of humbleness.

[@day1296]

except for when he, ya know, celebrates after every 3

[@JasonJia11]

@@day1296 that's... for his own benefit. How is that a bad thing. If you were the greatest shooter of all time why wouldn't you be that obsessed with every long shot you make. That's part of what makes him so great he even gets annoyed if his shots go in but touch the rim

[@wonderbread7327]

@@day1296 every time he hits a 3 it’s a new record

[@day1296]

@@JasonJia11 bc its not the epitome of humbleness, a better example is Tim Duncan, kawhi, any spurs great tbh. Those are humble players, Steph is top 10 all time, but he is far from humble lol

[@bones8055]

@@day1296 He is humble, showing emotion isn't disrespectful. He isn't trashing people constantly He celebrates big deal.

[@aidanwade4410]

I've been waiting for this. I'm gonna miss these constant breakdowns!!

[@Careless_101]

Don't worry there will be a top 10 players in the league video coming next month. He does it every year. And maybe even another video about finals as whole

[@AmanSingh-bt1rx]

Well November ain't that far

[@t4d0W]

We got more content coming through. Maybe some retrospective ones like the top 10 peaks series. Maybe even a look at best teams and what distinguished them from that era from the rest of the competition. Among other features especially where some players get reshuffled in the FA and their potential impact for their new team.

[@sambo416]

draymond best assets are his durability, defensive versatility, good size to mobility ratio, toughness combined with i.q makes him an invaluable asset. his affect doesnt usually show on the stat sheet, but his presence is extremely imposing. he makes the star player of the opposing teams life hell. tatum,luka,jokic and ofc lebron. plus warriors usually have 3-5 guys they can use to guard greats this year draymond,wiggins,payton,iggy. he causes so much choas and instigation u r worried about fighting him and u forget about curry n klay. set high i.q and amazing picks for curry n klay and great i.q/ skilled passes. hustle defense rebounding. wear and tare the othrr teams star on D and doesnt need produce on offesne just set up curry n klay. and curry is obvious. greatest shooter by far his only competition is his teammate klay. unfair. does ish thats never been seen off dribble defended halfcourt 3s. then klay so u cant double curry and shines when curry has a tough night and can defend most positions. so deadly. then warriors just add an athletic scoring wing to give the offense symmetry wiggins/barnes/durant. Nd then a 6man. formely livingston and now poole. warriors are scary

[@accountant3847]

Not even warriors fan, but this is such a good comment 💯💯 deserve more likes fs

[@yg2522]

I hate to say it, but I think his durability will be in question after that back injury in the reg season. back injuries have lasting effects, so we're going to have to see how long his body is going to hold out. i kinda have a feeling it's being heald together by shoe string since the injury was a compression of the spinal cord if i remember correctly.

[@KingJerbear]

Man as a Celtics fan I had to turn it off before the 4th quarter even ended, but this Warriors team is definitely something special. This was definitely Draymond's best game of the series and he showed up huge when they needed him. I just hate how toxic both fanbases have been to one another, makes it almost impossible to be a fan of the Warriors even though I love lots of the players on their squad. Here's to more meetings in the finals in years to come... hopefully a bit friendlier.

[@Thurokiir1]

For real homie. The Celtics squad showed up. They are talented. They are driven. They are humble. If it was anyone else, the Celtics would have taken it. The warriors 4th championship only means so much because of the incredible quality of their opponent. Good luck next year homie

[@brandonhall5142]

@@Thurokiir1 i don't really think its fair to say they showed up. tatum has done as he always done and is really unreliable. the entire game the only thing i was thinking to myself was how the only person that seemed to be playing was horford(and brown he didn't do bad) in a game 6 at home it just felt like the celtics had no drive to win.

[@KingJerbear]

@@brandonhall5142 I'm a bit late to respond but it was clear Tatum was battling some sort of shoulder problem. He was never quite the same since he tweaked it against the Bucks after dropping 45+ pts the night before. How much of that was the injury and how much of it was mental we will never know, but the C's just didn't have enough guys show up to make big plays at the same time. It was always one guy getting stuff done while 4 other guys watched, and that won't win you a ring. Looking forward to next year

[@dre32pitt]

Idk how you guys will fair now that Ike is probably gonna be gone

[@beMETA1]

I could’ve hopped man my performance anxiety held me back from so much in life pointing out how Tatums signature euro was read the second time he did it, the whole point of a signature move is to be able have a counter sig when people think your going into your regular move

[@Skystu]

Saying this only a few mins into the video; I never realized how much Green is doing that he probably does not get enough credit for. I always loved him as a player on the team, but I suppose I never fully realized all that he was doing. Great breakdown!

[@accountant3847]

Maturing is realizing steph x dray THE gws duo, not steph x klay

[@Preddybenn]

Steph Getting his first FMVP and proving everyone wrong and changing the narrative goes to show no matter what people throw ur way u can always prevail. CONGRATS TO THE 2021-22 NBA CHAMPIONS THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS!!! 🎊

[@5at5una]

and whats make it better is Warriors defeat the Cels who sweep the Nets KD

[@tonalddrump4128]

Draymond Green is a type of player that you really hate as opponent but you really love as teammate

[@VolvoCommand]

Draymond is big enough to play center and protect to the rim to a good extent WHILE being able to guard JB and JT on an island. He's incredible.

[@AliMohamed-yq4wn]

That’s why you can’t out small ball the warriors, Draymond is a generational talent, 6′ 6″ guy should not be able to play centre in the NBA.

[@richardhelldoerfer5206]

This was such a brilliant analysis. The subtle changes and adjustments Draymond made pointed out. He really is incredible with his play and his words aka “Jason Tatum is the Celtics Alpha 1”.

[@jallenps7]

Wiggins' defense in these playoffs--heck, the entire season--has been stellar... I've been mostly impressed with his motor, which many used to say was inconsistent. Really glad he found a home in Golden State.

[@Reebonics]

Even watching for what Draymond does in real time, you miss so much because you tend to naturally follow the ball after he makes his first defensive stop. These breakdowns are amazing and prove his value is more than what meets the eye and what shows up on the stat sheet. This dynasty could have never happened without him.

[@jonion7884]

Thanks for another fantastic video! Would love to see a breakdown of that 21-0 run in the first half.

[@MegaJontron]

There's a similar series that covers the warriors called Explain One Play. They covered the run: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXWTd3ShprJgq8U

[@Zurai-Lion]

One of the best analysis of what happened on the court.

[@FlexwithDoctorJay]

Such a good breakdown. I really dont know why Draymond doesn't have multiple DPOY. 1 for his entire career is disrespectful to how cerebral he is on the defensive end. There is no one that comes close to building (literally) a net around the basket and orchestrates the entire team to be better on defense. You'll have your Kawhi's, Covingtons, Smarts that all play great defense on ball, but it doesn't compare tbh. And yes Curry imo solidifies himself as a top 10 all time player in regular and post-season. This last finals MVP shuts all the analyst and commentator's mouths, not like he needed it anyways.

[@KMon99]

I think he would've got it this year (he single-handedly made GSW #1 Def rating in the 1st half of the season), but man, injury sucks. And I hope no one gonna to scold at Smart for not deserving it this year b/c of his final performance when compare to Dray; it's like when ppl compare Curry to LBJ... the dude is a guard guys, there's a limit on how far you can push b/c of body limitation. (but definitely yell at him on his flops and his shot selection)

[@jonisafreak3]

Draymond didnt play enough games this year he missed 3 months with that back injury. He plays harder in the playoffs anyway you can see it an the DPOY is a regular season award.

[@t4d0W]

For one many of the NBA individual awards are based on regular season play. Some players like Draymond are more valuable in the postseason with their defensive versatility. Second the DPOY award is based on a voting panel from 124 sportswriters/broadcasters who have a say (and bias) in the voting process. So overall its a popularity contest (much like the other awards to some degree). Finally with how strong the offense game is, the value of DPOY player is far outweighed with the strength of how the team as a UNIT can play defense especially in the postseason. As you saw in the Finals the Warriors had the talent to lock up the Celtics source of offense. Which means their win condition was completely cut off at that point. Meanwhile Steph as a legendary player just broke the Celtics defense in game 4.

[@gators9570]

Voters jump at the obvious stats and flashier things. Kawhi deserves 1 DPOY. He got Draymonds DPOY in a season where he missed games and played at a lower level than Draymond. Gobert should only have 1 DPOY if even that. Realistically Draymond deserves 3 DPOY awards. A few years the warriors sucked or he was injured. If the warriors were fully healthy every year, Draymond would probably deserve DPOY every year, he’s that good at making the difference on the defensive side of the ball

[@ImbetterthanDWade]

Because there are always defenders as good or better whether it’s Kawhi, Gobert, Ben Simmons, etc.

[@LetsTalkAbout1125]

Everybody seems to forget one important detail in this whole situation… Had it not been for David Lee’s injury, none of this would have happened.

[@nadavegan]

It would have happened eventually. That only made it happen sooner.

[@rubentuting525]

Curry: shooting ✅ passing ✅ defense ❌ . Green shooting ❌ passing ✅ defense ✅ . Thompson shooting ✅ passing ❌ defense ✅ The reason this big 3 is unstoppable is they cover up their weaknesses with their dominant strength

[@blue-phoenix115]

Uh oh… U bout to get it with that: defense ❌

[@rubentuting525]

but as time goes by they all now ✅ on these 3 categories

[@Supremely_Based_Takes]

I love watching the Warriors, even though Stephen Curry is the best shooter he isnt a ball hog like other superstars. Oh that’s why they’re so hard to defend because you don’t know who’s going to take the shot. You tie up KD the team fails, you tie up lebron the team fails etc.. The warriors just have such a fun team to watch cuz of their dynamic and chemistry

[@hansonlee5847]

Draymond kinda reminds me of Pippen's playmaking and Rodman's defensive presence. He's one of the best complementary pieces for Curry, who like MJ attracts a lot of attention

[@ange_gdev]

The only basketball channel on KZbin that only makes straight BANGERS. Literally changed the way I watch games.

[@nellyville69]

their chemistry is crazy

[@IpManFTW]

I don’t know why people bash on Draymond. Dudes the QB on the defensive side on of the ball. What he lacks on offense, he excels on everything else.

[@abror9869]

Thank you for your videos. After watching your videos I have a lot more appreciation for the players. And all the small, unnoticeable plays that you talked about are the difference between professionals and amateurs I think. It is hard to notice these plays without breaking them down like this. Good work. Love this Channel.

[@kevinyu8320]

Draymond is such a defensive genius. I'm sure it's also the system in GS that's good, but a lot of the things he does on that end of the court seem like he's reading the play and adapting. He's awesome!

[@theSameoldSvilen]

having watched the analysis from the other games in this series, and then watching game 6 live , I could see all of this stuff happening and then I mentally knew exactly what the content of this video was going to be. You are a brilliant teacher. thanks for helping me understand this amazing game

[@binary]

This series was ALL ABOUT Game 4. If you missed that masterpiece, you missed the series. That was the deathblow that changed everything, it will reverberate forever in basketball history.

[@ReallyGotMotion]

Thank you for educating these casuals. One of the great leaders, defenders and Glue guys in the history of the leauge.

[@NomadicAstro]

Drays defensive player of the decade. Steph, MVP of the decade. 4 chips in 8 years. Dynastic history being written.

[@Dethrey_]

#GoDubs! likewise

[@injusticeanywherethreatens4810]

The regular season RAPM data appears to agree with you. Over the past 5 years in DRAPM I think Draymond was one of the best defenders in the league and Lillard , Durant, and Curry had the highest ORAPM over the past 5 years

[@chiefwww]

This is an incredible channel on KZbin. PLEASE continue your analysis and film breakdowns during the NFL season. Phenomenal job with your analysis of the playoffs & Finals. 5🌟

[@batzxxl]

I follow a lot of NBA and NFL breakdown channels. In my opinion, no one is doing a better job breaking down the NBA game. If you want in-depth, non-biased detail and analysis beyond what you're going to get on mainstream outlets, Thinking Basketball is a MUST follow.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Very kind, thank you

[@markchristofforotea9036]

Hey bro always love your vid. Because of your simple analyzation to the game I'm getting better and better everyday at playing TY bro🥰

[@kevinperera18]

Amazing breakdown as always - not many people realize how impactful the dude is. The amazing team defense he plays (on top of everything else).

[@badjoj015]

Great narration. Dray and Steph definitely like PB & J.

[@markgerth9115]

Best NBA analysis on KZbin. No one else is even close. Thanks for what you do.

[@bhh3565]

There is no better analysis on the greatness of steph and green than this. Well done.

[@Piripiao_YT]

*I'm speaking it into existence right now, the Warriors are gonna be back to back champions by next year, cheers.*

[@minaxn]

I watched a lot of your breakdown video and i implemented it on my junior high team (I'm ass. Coach). It was fantastic, we were not strong and doesn't have a talented player, but with nice strategy and good matchup role we could hang against the top teams and reach semifinal for the 1st time. Thank you so much

[@songj1986]

Your analysis helped me a lot when making sports picks. Ty much! Great channel, keep up the good work! Cheers

[@yahalyulmer2912]

Ben, your 2022 Thinking Basketball video season was your greatst peak!

[@kitehigh5918]

can you imagine being stripped just twice all playoffs ? dang.

[@Sijan.G]

So well done always a good watch to these videos

[@superdopehiphop]

Since you are someone who actually knows NBA basketball you get just how valuable/amazing Draymond Green is. He may be annoying and get away with way too many Techs, but he’s literally #1 in Playoffs 2015-2022 in +/- (easily #1) Steals (easily #1) Blocks Wins (tied with Klay as he and Draymond 9-3 in PLAYOFF games without Steph and they both balled the fuck out in those games like 16 point triple double near for Dray and 1.5 spg 1.5 bpg + 25-30 ppg on great shooting for Klay) 2nd in assists to LeBron 2nd in Triple doubles 3rd most triple doubles in finals history behind Magic & LeBron 13th in points One of best Game 7s ever 32, 15, 9, 2 steals on 73/75/100 splits! If Klay Steph Iggy Barnes hit anything he wins 2016 Finals MVP Best all around defender by far on Warriors and their best passer! He’s 1 of 4 players ever to have 200+ blocks & 200+ steals in playoffs with Dr J Hakeem LeBron Draymond Him not making Top75 list was a joke (along with Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard, Klay to name just a few!) 2015-2022 PLAYOFFS and Finals Draymond > Steph in apg rbg spg bpg +/- tpg defense yet ppl act like Draymond is along for the ride! That’s every major stat besides ppg! They’re equally valuable overall imo even if the offensive side is more glamorous and amazing to watch.

[@nonamewillbegiven9989]

Doesn't know you gullible m0r0n

[@nonamewillbegiven9989]

Imagine thinking Green's a top 75 player haha

[@ryankipkorir3818]

Thinking basketball makes the best videos man

[@jesustenes2]

One question: Is this 2020-22 stretch from Curry better than 2015-17 (which I believe is the one in your greatest peaks series)? He might be better defensively and more composed on offense. Anyway it is insane that he is on that level once again.

[@t4d0W]

He'll have to make an addendum on Steph's potential second peak. This current version is his best crossroad arguably as an overall player. The added strength to his frame despite that lack of step makes him suited for the physicality the playoff defenses have adapted for him. He's also makes great use of it going downhill with his handles to attack the rim and finish in traffic. Then to add that he uses his experience and handles to handle trap strategies better than he used to.

[@sup9542]

I think he peaked a couple years ago when he came back from that injury sporting some buff arms, and after losing a lot of close games because the team just sucked, for the first time in his career he decided he needed to get a little selfish, put the team on his back, and carried the worst team in the NBA to the 8th seed, and vaulted into MVP conversation. We saw the ridiculous numbers he could average if he chose to play like Luka or Harden. This season he had some slumps, didn't shoot well, but he found it again in the playoffs.

[@tarunganesg9700]

@@sup9542 I would argue Steph peaked this playoffs by far. This was easily the most matured Steph and he was always clutch, and he also did a lot more when his 3 point shot wasn’t fouling. Putting on that muscle mass led him to become way better on defense and Celtics targeting him on defense only worked for game 3, while in games 5 and 6 it became a bad decision for them. Even if Steph was better shooter without the muscle I think I would take this all rounded Steph over 2016 Steph

[@amarmirza08]

Thank you for all the great breakdown videos like this, really has changed how I appreciate basketball.

[@blackjacktrial]

Greatest duos of all time series in the off season? Less ranking, more how do they fit with each other and elevate everyone else as a combination. Eg. Curry-Draymond as a role player elevator vs MJ-Pippen as a role-player carrier (or were they - that's what I'd like to see if this is tackled.)

[@Joemwat]

You have to watch some teams and players with extra analytical eyes in order to appreciate them. That's why some players like Draymond and Wiggins are easy to overlook or underrate. And that's what makes Bob Mayers and Steve Kerr the best combo as the big three are. That was only with Bulls during the Jordan Era and the Spurs. I didn't mention the Shaq-kobe duo and the lebron lead heat because that fell apart after one or two championship(s). that's why, among other reasons, warriors are closer to Jordan led bulls than any other team. @Thinking Basketball, you should this comparison of the dynasties and what made each last longer than the other in depth in one of your videos.

[@tomiblums]

Such great content. Thank you for the insight, you make me see the game different.

[@Matt-ju9si]

I had a feeling he had done something special in this regard, but I still gasped when Ben said Steph was only stripped twice in the entire playoffs. I.. can't even fathom. He's still growing.

[@forfucksakecomrade]

Thats one of the most amazing stats ive ever heard honestly

[@theavatar9191]

Absolutely insane, given how KD and Kyrie are considered “more skilled” yet turned the ball over numerous times every game. Steph truly is one of the most skilled and elite players the game has ever seen

[@TheMissinLink]

@@theavatar9191 I personally never understood how people said Kyrie was the most skilled player of all time or even in the current league. Steph is just as complete as a ball handler, a better shooter, and despite kyries reputation as “the best small guard finisher ever”steph is still better.

[@theavatar9191]

@@TheMissinLink Yeah agreed. I guess because Kyrie plays more back to the basket with post moves like taller guards usually do, but Steph's unrivaled off ball movement negates that and even opens up everyone else on the floor. His skill set is beyond elite and probably the most efficient ever.

[@ayeemarquez5222]

curry and green is like sword and sheild

[@Ubiquitous_1]

I love how you dissect the plays. It happens so quickly that sometimes something's are missed. GSW plays such smart bball, it's so fun to watch.

[@blck.tentation6574]

*EXTEND THE MAN ASAP!*

[@emperorza5777]

Draymond is actually my favorite player. Thank you for this fr

[@Shemzinho]

Steph has dismantled every foolish argument against him in historical fashion. He carved out masterpiece after masterpiece especially on the road in a storied building like TDG. He produced the greatest shooting display ever in a Finals series. He's the greatest shooter of all time, the greatest player under 6'6 AND a top 8 player of all time.

[@montelds]

I learn so much more about basketball from this channel vs any other analysis

[@ryupelayo]

the only reason other teams got chips in the last 3 years were because GSW were forced to rest

[@t3knyn]

Love the in depth breakdowns, love this 💯

[@mjskiee8464]

If the Draymond doesn't impact the game/warriors, nobody will hate him. The guy's defesive IQ is so high. I am blessed to witness such team in my generation.

[@randomperson2540]

This is way curry and draymond we’re able to dismantle the Celtics while there depth/support pieces were lacking or inconsistent. While Kyrie and kd struggled to say the least even though everybody else played great.

[@rexSantaAna420]

Man....the way you can observe details towards their victory is 👏 amazing.

[@micaiaholubori4999]

Been waiting for that new ep for a while

[@143jetblack]

damn bro your voice so smooth you can be on tnt or espn if you wanna save that network from mediocrity

[@jichansol]

Master class performance from both players this game, great video!

[@Filipinoimposter]

0:52 Steph is being guarded by Celtics fans 😂

[@realitycheck9716]

This basketball channel is exactly what the NBA. I feel like my understanding of the game has grown so much just by watching your videos. Would love an complete player profile of Kyrie Ivring and Bradley Beal. Thanks

[@shawnmarcum8078]

There's a "points responsible for" statistic in the nba, but I'd like to see a stat that shows how many points a guy prevents, that takes blocks, opponent misses, steals, fouls, and etc. to the game because I bet Draymond is pretty good in that statistic.

[@randomperson2540]

Is it not obvious why did it take people so long to realize this

[@mryup6100]

Media narratives

[@user-np2ef4pj7w]

if they are an "all-time duo" how come they were trash without Klay, not even making the playoffs?

[@user-np2ef4pj7w]

@@mryup6100 if they are an "all-time duo" how come they were trash without Klay, not even making the playoffs?

[@majinbeezy]

@@user-np2ef4pj7w their roster was pretty bad, curry had to win a scoring title just to get them to the play in. I take it you don’t watch much basketball?

[@randomperson2540]

@@user-np2ef4pj7w they did when both were on floor they had a playoff record. Curry and dray just missed to many games.

[@tylergoldingmagic]

🔥🔥🔥fire breakdown!! You and Get GOODER at Basketball are easily the goats of YT

[@naderabouhassan3875]

Thinking basketball you are the best basketball channel on KZbin, can you please post more I know it is the summer and you are taking a break, but there is so much to talk about and this has never been more popular if you want to take that next step please post more I know it’s hard but there isn’t a channel like yours

[@shauncampbell4371]

Curry made DPOY Marcus Smart look average.

[@timothystrand6055]

Man watching Draymond just destroy an offense is crazy live but to see how you broke down what I thought I knew is wild. It’s like he knows all when he is locked in. Can’t do the same move twice or he on that. This channel never disappoints