Golden State Warriors defender Draymond Green admitted the team is lacking will in their defense in the ongoing season of the NBA. The Dubs currently have a 29-29 record and they suffered a 134-124 loss against LA Clippers on Tuesday night.
The Clippers took the game away in the third quarter as they outscored the opposition by 44-28 and GSW could not get back into the contest.
GSW’s defense has been their Achilles Heel in the ongoing season and they are currently ranked 19th in the league in defense.
“It has to come from within,” forward Draymond Green said. “Defense is all about will, a want to defend. Defense isn’t fun. You’ve just got to do it if you want to win, and we haven’t.”
Green admitted that the team is lacking collective effort in their defense, which is leading to their downfall.
“It’s the will to defend — stop and guard your man, and sink, and drop the box and rotate,” Green said. “Defense is just one or two steps extra … that’s all will, and we don’t have that as a team.”
Green added that the players need to back themselves in defense and have confidence while making the tackles.
“Every guy has to decide to take on that challenge himself. That challenge isn’t just guarding the ball. The challenge is I’m supposed to be there to help, and that guy has to be able to trust that I’m going to get there,” Green said. “If he doesn’t trust that I’m going to get there, then what do you do? You foul. We all know that’s been a problem for us.”
The veteran added that he doesn’t want to blame anyone for the team’s performance and every player should take ownership of his game.
“I mean, I’m always going to try on that side, but I can be better. I’m as much of a culprit as anyone else,” Green said. “I’m not going to point the finger at anyone or point blame. If you’re a leader at something and you are failing at it, it’s your fault.”
Golden State Warriors will next lock horns against Los Angeles Lakers after the All-Star break.