The Warriors are getting a much-needed jolt on the defensive end, and it's coming in the form of a familiar face: Draymond Green is back.
After missing the last three games with a right foot sprain and an excused personal absence, Green made the trip to Portland and is officially active for Sunday’s matchup against the Trail Blazers. That’s a big deal - not just because of what Green brings, but because of what the Warriors have been missing without him.
“Draymond’s good to go,” head coach Steve Kerr confirmed before the game. “It makes a dramatic difference, and Draymond remains one of the great defenders in the league - one of the very best, if not the best I’ve seen.”
That’s not just coach speak. Green’s presence is the difference between a defense that bends and one that breaks.
And on Friday night, the Warriors broke. Facing a massive Minnesota front line, Golden State surrendered 66 points in the paint during a 127-120 loss.
Rudy Gobert had a field day, finishing with 24 points and a highlight reel of dunks. The Warriors’ interior defense looked lost, and the rotations - the ones Green usually anchors with his IQ and communication - just weren’t there.
Green may not stuff the box score, but his impact is undeniable. Heading into Sunday, he was averaging 8.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in just over 28 minutes per game. Those numbers only scratch the surface of what he does defensively - switching across five positions, quarterbacking the back line, and setting the tone with his physicality and voice.
In his absence, the Warriors leaned on Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis to hold down the frontcourt. Offensively, Post has stepped up, scoring in double figures in four straight games while logging 25-plus minutes each time.
Jackson-Davis has been solid in spurts, hitting 8 of 12 shots over the last three games and pulling down 15 rebounds. But let’s be honest - neither of them brings what Green does on the defensive end.
Al Horford, another veteran frontcourt piece, remains out with sciatica. He hasn’t played since a Nov. 21 game in Philadelphia, and there’s still no timeline for his return. “No update on Al,” Kerr said.
The Warriors’ injury report doesn’t stop there. In the backcourt, Seth Curry is dealing with a glute issue and Gary Payton II has been battling illness, leaving both questionable for Sunday’s game.
It’s been that kind of season for Golden State - a revolving door of injuries and absences that’s kept the rotation in constant flux. Steph Curry just returned from a five-game absence due to a left quad injury and promptly dropped 39 points in his first game back. Jimmy Butler, the team’s second-leading scorer, has missed four games of his own.
And then there’s Jonathan Kuminga. The fifth-year forward hasn’t been dealing with any injury, but he’s been a healthy scratch in each of the last two games - first in Chicago, then again versus Minnesota.
Even with Green sidelined, Kerr opted not to slide Kuminga into the power forward spot. Instead, he gave those minutes to Gui Santos, praising the Brazilian’s energy and effort during a tough stretch in the schedule.
Speaking of the schedule, there’s finally a breather. Sunday’s game in Portland was a late addition after both teams were knocked out of the NBA Cup. It’s given the Warriors a rare break - just two games in a nine-day span after a front-loaded start to the season.
At 13-13 heading into Sunday night, Golden State is still searching for rhythm and consistency. Getting Draymond Green back is a step in the right direction.
He’s not just a defensive anchor - he’s the emotional engine of this team. And with the Suns looming on Thursday, the Warriors are hoping his return helps stabilize a team that’s been anything but steady so far.