Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green recently expressed his admiration for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson, acknowledging the physical toll that playing against him can take.
Draymond Green highlighted Williamson’s extraordinary strength and power in a candid statement, stating, “He ain’t just strong, he’s powerful… Taking him on two days in a row – my back hurt, my hips hurt, I’m banged all up. I’m hurt, brother.”
Draymond Green on Zion Williamson:
“He ain’t just strong, he’s powerful… Taking him on two days in a row – my back hurt, my hips hurt, I’m banged all up. I’m hurt, brother.”
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— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 3, 2024
The Physical Challenge of Guarding Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson is known for his combination of speed, strength, and explosiveness, making him a matchup nightmare for many defenders in the NBA. During a recent back-to-back series between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans, Green experienced firsthand the difficulty of containing Zion. In their first game, Zion scored 31 points on 63% shooting from the field. However, when Draymond Green took on the primary defensive assignment in the second game, Zion’s performance dropped to 12 points on 25% shooting.
Draymond Green’s Respect for Zion’s Power
Despite the physical toll, Draymond Green’s comments reflect a deep respect for Zion’s abilities. Green, known for his defensive prowess, acknowledged that Zion’s power is special and not easily matched by other players in the league. This respect is evident in Green’s willingness to take on the challenge of guarding Zion, even at the cost of his physical well-being.
Impact on the Warriors and the Pelicans
Green’s admission highlights the impact Zion Williamson has on both teams. For the Warriors, it means finding ways to manage the physical demands of guarding Zion while maintaining their defensive intensity. For the Pelicans, it underscores the importance of Zion’s presence on the court and his advantage in matchups against top defenders like Draymond Green.
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