Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] The Golden State Warriors are headed to the Play-In Tournament — and a missed layup by Draymond Green played a big role in that outcome.
During Sunday’s overtime loss to the LA Clippers, Green had a golden opportunity to tie the game in the final 30 seconds. With the Warriors trailing 121-119, a double-team on Steph Curry forced the ball to Gary Payton II, who quickly dished it to a wide-open Green under the basket.
But instead of taking a straightforward shot, Green contorted his body in an attempt to draw a foul and put up an awkward layup that missed badly.
The Clippers secured the rebound, and the Warriors failed to score again, ultimately falling 124-119. Speaking to reporters postgame, Green summed up the play in just four words: “I smoked a layup.”
The miss was costly. If Green had finished the shot, the game would have been tied and the Warriors could have set up a final possession. Instead, the loss dropped them into the Play-In Tournament.
Golden State will now face the Memphis Grizzlies in the 7-8 matchup, with the winner earning a date with the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets — a team that’s already proven to be a tough opponent this season.