Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Draymond Green After Warriors’ Loss to Nuggets
Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in criticizing Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green following the team’s 114-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Despite the Nuggets missing their star duo Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon stepped up with 38 points and six rebounds to lead Denver to victory.
The Warriors struggled significantly, shooting just 24.2% from beyond the arc and 55.6% from the free-throw line. Adding to their woes, the team committed 20 turnovers. Smith, speaking on First Take, called out Green for his performance, which included 10 points (5-6 FG, 0-1 3PT), six rebounds, and five assists.
Smith referenced Green’s bold prediction during All-Star Weekend, where he guaranteed a championship.
“Who’s the person who went on national television during All-Star Weekend and guaranteed a championship? That wasn’t Steph, that wasn’t Jimmy. That’s Draymond,” Smith said.
Smith also highlighted how opposing teams often leave Green open at the 3-point line, emphasizing that it’s up to Green to capitalize on those opportunities.
“If you don’t guard him and he hits those shots, it changes everything. That man who opened his mouth and guaranteed the championship—it’s literally on him,” Smith added.
He continued, stressing the importance of Green stepping up in critical moments:
“We know what Jimmy Butler’s gonna do, we know what playoff Jimmy is all about, and we know what Steph Curry is all about. But if Draymond makes shots, it’s a different ball game. He’s got to do it. So a lot of it is on him.”
Green, who has a career 3-point shooting percentage of 32.1%, has shown potential in the past, notably shooting 39.5% from deep during the 2023-24 season.
Draymond Green Reaches Historic Milestone
Despite the loss, Draymond Green achieved a significant milestone, becoming just the sixth player in Warriors history to grab 6,000 rebounds. His wife, Hazel Renee, celebrated the achievement on Instagram with a heartfelt post:
“I really be in AWE with my ol’ man… folks can say what they want, but HE REALLY BE DOIN THE DAMN THANG ”
Green, selected 35th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, has been a cornerstone of the Warriors’ dynasty, transitioning from a second-round pick to one of the franchise’s most impactful players.
The Warriors will look to bounce back as they navigate the remainder of the season, with Green’s shooting and leadership set to play a pivotal role in their success.
Edited by Krutik Jain
