The Golden State Warriors are just one win from a second successive NBA title but Shaun Livingston admits facing the Cleveland Cavaliers will be tough without suspended forward Draymond Green.
“It’s another test,” said Livingston said of playing without Green. “We’ve went through a lot of tests this year. It’s kind of the ultimate being in the position that we’re in, so it’s a great opportunity for a lot of guys and for our team and coaches. ... It’s a cohesion thing throughout the whole team. We rely on our chemistry, we rely on each other, we play for each other. One guy is not just going to make up what Draymond brings to the table. It’s all the little things he does that wins championships.”
Green is suspended for Monday’s Game 5 after the NBA gave him a flagrant-1 foul for his part in a scuffle with LeBron James during the teams’ meeting in Cleveland last week. Green leads the Warriors in rebounds this post-season and is also third in scoring behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. But it is perhaps Green’s spirit and fire that Golden State will miss the most.
“It’s tough. He’s in a different position now,” Livingston said. “Usually he’s able to be vocal and then go out and then go out and set the example. Now with him not playing, it’s kind of speaking from a different position. [Warriors coach Steve Kerr] has been great kind of feeding us what we need. I don’t think we should need any extra motivation tonight.”
Green’s suspension means he will probably watch Monday’s game in a suite at the Oakland Coliseum, which is next to the Oracle Arena. If the Warriors do seal the title then Green will be able to enter the arena to celebrate with his team-mates.
