Draymond Green, speaking on 'The Draymond Green Show,' dismissed the notion that the New York Knicks' injuries should be used as an excuse for their playoff elimination. Green emphasized that injuries are an inevitable part of the game, referencing his own experiences with the Golden State Warriors and the 2015 Cleveland Cavaliers as examples.
"I definitely didn't think the Knicks were like that great of a team, which I said. And everybody's like, oh, you hating on the Knicks. Like, no, I'm actually not. I actually like did this four times."
"I kind of know what it takes and I know what it looks like. And I know everybody's going to be like, oh, man, like they got hurt and this guy got hurt. And like, that's a part of it, right?"
"When KD got hurt and Klay got hurt, nobody's like, oh man, them guys got hurt. So we feel bad for the Warriors. Like, cause those guys got hurt and they would have won. Like, nah, nobody say that."
"Just like when we won in 2015, nobody be like, oh man, Kyrie was hurt and got hurt during the series. And Kevin, like you got to play who's on the court. So, let's not even go there."
“Let’s not even go there “
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 20, 2024
— Draymond Green on mentioning Knicks injuries, since “nobody” mentioned that in 2015 about the Cavs or 2019 about the Warriors. OK pic.twitter.com/y6Sl9xvQcO
Green pointed out that when Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson suffered injuries during the 2019 NBA Finals, there was little sympathy for the Warriors. Similarly, he recalled the 2015 Finals when the Warriors beat a Cavaliers team missing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love due to injury.
The Knicks' 2023-24 season ended in a grueling 130-108 Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers, compounded by injuries to several key players.
Jalen Brunson (fractured hand), OG Anunoby (hamstring strain), Josh Hart (abdominal strain), Julius Randle (dislocated shoulder), Mitchell Robinson (ankle stress injury), and Bojan Bogdanovic (foot surgery) were all sidelined or limited by injuries. Brunson, Hart, and Anunoby attempted to play through their injuries in Game 7 but were clearly not at full strength.
Despite these setbacks, Green's comments underscore a harsh reality in professional sports: injuries, while unfortunate, are part of the game, and successful teams must find ways to overcome them. The Knicks' injuries, while devastating, are not unique, and other teams have faced similar adversity without receiving leniency. For Green, the focus remains on performance and resilience, regardless of the obstacles.
Despite their Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks have much to be proud of this season. The sheer number of injuries the team endured is astounding, yet they managed to push their playoff series to the brink, showcasing resilience and tenacity.
The Knicks should take immense pride in their performance despite these setbacks. The injuries were undoubtedly a factor, and without them, the Knicks likely would have won the series and provided a tough challenge for the Boston Celtics in the next round. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that injuries are part of the game, and using them as an excuse undermines the team's effort and the spirit of competition.
New York's fan base has shown tremendous support throughout the season, going wild for the team's achievements. The passion and loyalty of the fans have been a driving force, and their enthusiasm should not be dampened by this loss. The Knicks' ability to reach Game 7 under such difficult circumstances speaks volumes about their potential and the foundation they have built.
In the world of professional sports, overcoming adversity is a hallmark of championship-caliber teams. While the Knicks fell short this time, the experience gained and the resilience shown will serve them well in future seasons. This loss should be seen not as a failure but as a stepping stone towards greater success.
Ultimately, the message to the Knicks and their fans is clear: be proud of what was accomplished. The team fought valiantly against overwhelming odds, and this season has laid the groundwork for a promising future. It's time to regroup, get healthy, and come back stronger. The journey is far from over, and the Knicks have demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
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