The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis - BEST OF: Warriors-Rockets first round series

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis - BEST OF: Warriors-Rockets First Round Series

Release Date: May 10, 2025

---

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Draymond Green teams up with special guest Baron Davis to dissect the Golden State Warriors' intense first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. The discussion offers an insider’s perspective on the team’s preparation, in-game strategies, standout performances, and the overall journey through the series.

---

Preparing for the Playoff Series

Draymond Green kickstarts the conversation by highlighting the rigorous preparation required for a playoff series. He shares his personal approach, stating, “When I prepare for a playoff series, I create a new playlist, sit in my room watching the games, vibing to my playlist, and creating my cave” ([02:24]). This ritual underscores the mental and emotional readiness essential for the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.

Baron Davis echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the elevated level of detail involved: “Since Steve has been here, the level of detail we go through to start the playoffs is so intense... our journey starts with this crazy lock-in on detail” ([02:56]). Drawing from his experience under coach Tom Izzo, Davis underscores the importance of exhaustive film sessions and strategic planning, which set the foundation for the team’s playoff mindset.

---

Game One Highlights

The duo delves into the pivotal moments of game one, focusing on the Warriors' defensive prowess and strategic gameplay. Draymond remarks, “You always want to steal that first one. Y' all played good playoff veteran basketball, but y' all did play in Spurs. There was a lull, right, of dependency where it's like everybody gotta stay aggressive” ([09:25]). This highlights the Warriors' ability to leverage their regular-season experience to maintain intensity and aggression in the playoffs.

Baron Davis praises the team’s defensive efforts, noting, “We gave up 85 points, with 14 turnovers and 22 offensive rebounds. Holding that team to 85 points... was a big deal” ([11:03]). This defensive discipline was crucial in setting the tone for the series, demonstrating the Warriors' commitment to limiting the Rockets' offensive opportunities.

---

Player Performances and Strategies

Jimmy Butler and Defensive Synergy

Baron Davis discusses Jimmy Butler's dual impact on both ends of the court: “Offensively, we saw his greatness, but defensively, we're able to play off of each other... he can guard anybody. He's strong as hell” ([17:30]). Butler's versatility and defensive acumen provided the Warriors with a formidable ally in disrupting the Rockets' plays.

Steph Curry's Prowess

Steph Curry's exceptional performance is a focal point of the conversation. Draymond highlights Curry's composure and leadership: “He wasn't turning the ball over... made every single play when we had nothing going offensively. He just willed us” ([31:14]). Curry's ability to control the game's tempo and make crucial plays under pressure was instrumental in the Warriors' success.

Gary Payton II and Team Depth

The discussion also spotlights Gary Payton II's significant contributions: “He got 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter... one of the best finishers around the rim” ([39:43]). Payton II's offensive prowess and defensive tenacity provided the Warriors with much-needed depth and versatility.

---

Defensive and Offensive Adjustments

Baron Davis elaborates on the strategic adjustments made to counter the Rockets' zone defense: “We diced that zone up, which forced them to take Steph Adams out. That's their lineup doing the damage” ([60:30]). This tactical adaptability showcased the Warriors' ability to evolve their strategies in response to their opponents' defenses.

Draymond emphasizes the importance of focusing on controllable factors: “Control the controllables... when it’s time to win the game, they do what's required” ([67:24]). This approach underscores the team's focus on executing their game plan effectively, regardless of external pressures.

---

Player Conduct and Team Chemistry

The conversation shifts to the significance of respect and professionalism on and off the court. Baron Davis shares his insights: “You either completely lose respect for someone or you gain a lot of respect for someone... when you lose respect, it catches you in the end” ([64:22]). This highlights the critical role that mutual respect and discipline play in maintaining team cohesion and ensuring sustained performance.

They discuss younger players like Jalen Green, stressing the importance of maintaining professionalism: “You gotta be careful because it could translate on the court as, oh, I don't feel like trying” ([35:22]). Ensuring that players exhibit respect and focus is vital for the team's dynamic, especially in high-pressure playoff scenarios.

---

Celebrations and Reflections on Game Seven

Celebrating their victory in game seven, Baron reflects on the team's resilience and unity: “It's an appreciation more than a celebration. Getting that first playoff win with Jimmy... it's real” ([55:54]). The emphasis is on the collective effort and the hard-fought nature of the series, rather than personal accolades.

Draymond adds, “Game seven was tough because all you thinking is, what am I going to do?” ([56:18]), highlighting the mental toughness required in deciding moments. The hosts commend Buddy Hill's standout performance, with Baron stating, “Buddy hit big shots, 5 for 11 for 3... he was huge on both ends” ([57:40]). Hill's contributions were pivotal in securing the series win, underscoring the importance of depth and player contributions beyond the stars.

---

Notable Quotes

• Draymond Green ([02:24]): “When I prepare for a playoff series, I create a new playlist, sit in my room watching the games, vibing to my playlist, and creating my cave.”

• Baron Davis ([02:56]): “Since Steve has been here, the level of detail we go through to start the playoffs is so intense... our journey starts with this crazy lock-in on detail.”

• Draymond Green ([09:25]): “You always want to steal that first one. Y' all played good playoff veteran basketball, but y' all did play in Spurs. There was a lull, right, of dependency where it's like everybody gotta stay aggressive.”

• Baron Davis ([11:03]): “We gave up 85 points, with 14 turnovers and 22 offensive rebounds. Holding that team to 85 points... was a big deal.”

• Baron Davis ([17:30]): “Offensively, we saw his greatness, but defensively, we're able to play off of each other... he can guard anybody. He's strong as hell.”

• Draymond Green ([67:24]): “Control the controllables... when it’s time to win the game, they do what's required.”

• Baron Davis ([64:22]): “You either completely lose respect for someone or you gain a lot of respect for someone... when you lose respect, it catches you in the end.”

• Baron Davis ([57:40]): “Buddy hit big shots, 5 for 11 for 3... he was huge on both ends.”

---

Conclusion

Draymond Green and Baron Davis provide a comprehensive and insightful breakdown of the Warriors' playoff series against the Rockets, highlighting the intricate balance of preparation, strategy, player performance, and team chemistry. Their candid discussion underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines championship-caliber teams, offering listeners an engaging and informative recap of the Warriors' successful first-round journey.

---

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, emphasizing key discussions, player insights, and strategic elements that influenced the Warriors' playoff performance. Notable quotes with timestamps enhance the richness of the summary, providing authenticity and depth for those who haven’t listened to the podcast.

Transcript

[Draymond Green]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

T Mobile's stats are as impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch. Now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off at the $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch up to 4 lines of your virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Baron Davis]

Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back and Degree listened. That doesn't happen often.

[Draymond Green]

They admitted that they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's antiperspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and and other stores for under $4.

[Baron Davis]

So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local stores to try the OG Cool Rush for yourself. At and T has a new guarantee because most things in life are not guaranteed like getting through self checkout by yourself. Not guaranteed in a world where Nothing is guaranteed. AT&T is bringing something new to the table. AT&T is introducing a guarantee with connectivity you can depend on, deals you want and service you deserve or they make it right. Learn More guarantee at Connecting Changes Everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.com guarantee for detail member week.

[Draymond Green]

Is here at Lowe's.

[Baron Davis]

Don't miss your chance to get up.

[Draymond Green]

To 40% off hundreds of items like paint, outdoor and home essentials and more.

[Baron Davis]

Shop our exclusive deals happening in store and online now through May 14th.

[Draymond Green]

Not a rewards member.

[Baron Davis]

Join for free today and get ready.

[Draymond Green]

To save more Lowe's we help you.

[Baron Davis]

Save loyalty programs subject to terms and Conditions details@lowe's.com Terms subject to change.

[Draymond Green]

The.

[Baron Davis]

Volume.

[Draymond Green]

The R Dub Nation is time we look at the Houston Rockets matchup. When I would prepare for a playoff series, I would basically like create a new playlist. I sit in my room just watch the games, right and vibe out to my playlist and really kind of hole up, right? Start creating my cave. What does your level of preparation for a playoff series look like?

[Baron Davis]

Oh man, you know it's Crazy BD is. So when we start these playoff series, since Steve has been here, the level of detail we go through to start the playoffs, to start the series off, is so intense and like, you gotta dial in. And I always tell people, when you win a championship, it's not the winning championship moment that you remember. Because if I'm honest, it's a blur. Like it happened and it's like, what the hell, man? Like what? And then like, it's so crazy. Like it's out of body, you know? But what you remember the most is the journey. And our journey starts with this crazy lock in on detail. And like, I played for Tom Izzo and the way Tom Izzo, the film, the level of film we used to watch, like, I feel like I watch film differently than most, even coaches do because of the way Tom Izzo taught me how to watch film. And so the level of preparation that goes into a playoff series takes me back to my foundation. After the Clipper game, all I could think about was like, man, we gotta win this game. Because I want that first film session. Like, that first film session we have to start a playoff series. I want that so bad. Yes, that's what I experienced that. And so that's all I could think about was just like, getting to this. Like, we gotta get in so we get this first, like, this film session. Like, I love the start of that. And so my level of preparation for a playoff series, like, I like, I dive in to this team immediately because I want to know everything. Like, I want to know everything that they do. Like, you got to be obsessive with everything about them. Like just obsessed with it. And so, and that's the beauty of the playoffs. Like, you get, you get the opportunity to play a team for seven games straight. You get the opportunity to know a team. You just consume yourself with this and basketball. And I love basketball. So this is my favorite time of the year. Cause you just get to lock in on what you do.

[Draymond Green]

That's everything. Cause think about during the season, you getting Cliff Notes. Cause you got another game. So it made Cliff Notes on the Rockets. Cliff Notes on the Rockets. You done played them four times. You familiar with them, you know what they do. But when them playoffs come, you get full, A full menu, detail, dissertation, white papers.

[Baron Davis]

You get all that. Hell yeah.

[Draymond Green]

And you get a whole week to see the same people every day. So there's a level of studying that goes to a whole nother echelon. And it's like you're checking off all these details and Notes and the detailed notes. When you watch it in on tape, you're like, oh, that's how I stop them. Because during the regular season you're like, damn, dude, I got. Sometimes you like, damn, I gotta play against this dude.

[Baron Davis]

He always playing play good against you in the playoffs. It's like, why is this happening?

[Jimmy Butler]

Right?

[Baron Davis]

Exactly. You can lock in on it.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, you get to really, really lock in, man. Like, talk about your excitement about one, just a matchup. And have y' all had your first film session yet?

[Baron Davis]

We'll have our first film session today, but I'm excited about the matchup. I think, you know, this, this young team is, you know, they've gotten a lot better. And when I say gotten a lot better, like you look at the team last year to the two seat, like, right, they were, I think they were like the 14 seed or 12 seed or something like that last year. They're hungry and they want what we've experienced before. And so be that you've been in that position before. You know exactly how they feel, you know? You know, like, you can always rewind back to like, man, when we were in that position, like what that feels like. And you can put yourself in those shoes, which can in a sense help you prepare in a different way because you know what to expect. And so I'm excited as hell about the matchup. You know, we've played IME Udoka in the playoffs, in the NBA finals, you know, we know what his teams bring, you know, and so I'm excited about the matchup. Hey, just being back in the playoffs, man.

[Draymond Green]

Right, right.

[Baron Davis]

Being back in the playoffs, having that opportunity to compete at the highest level is incredible. But then this is a young team, you know, a team that we went three and two with this year. Three and two against. We played one extra time because of the play in game. It's always a, a good matchup, like it requires you to lock in if you want to beat them. It requires a level of locking in, a level of toughness that you have to bring game. And you know, I love those challenges. Anytime you have a challenge like that, we are the underdog. You know, there, there's. We're two seat. They're two seat. We're a seven seat.

[Draymond Green]

We like to be the underdog, baby.

[Baron Davis]

We have been able to play. We already did one long time.

[Draymond Green]

Now it's like, okay, two seven, let's go.

[Baron Davis]

Absolutely. You know, and obviously we don't view ourselves as an ordinary seven seat, but the. It is what it is. We're the seven seat 32. We got to start off on the road, you know, and, and battle, test it. That's always fun when you get the opportunity to start on the road, you know. And so, man, I'm just excited, man, the playoff basketball is back. You about to see guys ascend to an elite level and I'm just excited to be a part of that again. Man, I used to take for granted just making it to the playoffs. You know, when you do something over and over again, you like, oh yeah, that's just how it goes. Like I don't take that for granted no more like so to be in the playoffs with an opportunity to compete for Larry, that's what I'm most excited about.

[Jimmy Butler]

Blending Vice's signature dynamic storytelling with the high octane world of sports, Vice Sports brings an exciting and diverse range of programming that goes beyond the game catch action packed live events and exclusive sports documentaries and profiles only on Vice tv.

[Draymond Green]

Feeling good, game one. You always want to steal that first one.

[Baron Davis]

Absolutely.

[Draymond Green]

Y' all played good playoff veteran basketball, but y' all did play in Spurs. There was a lull, right, of dependency where it's like everybody gotta stay aggressive, right? Everybody got to stay aggressive. But great game, man, great defense. I mean your defense was on full display. When you talk about holding, I think it was only a couple people that had double figures on their team. Was it Van Fleek and Sagon? Man, that was just, that was a great playoff basketball game. I just want to see more, more aggression on the offensive end. Especially from you for sure, you know, especially from you because like they throwing you the rock and then it's like, all right, Jimmy Butler, Steph. And then it'll wind up in pod hands, you know what I mean? So I want to see Moses Moody. He came, hit some big clutch shots.

[Baron Davis]

Yes, he did. Shout out to Young Mo Money.

[Draymond Green]

Y' all gotta remember y' all play. Everybody on the, on the floor is a playmaker when it's hot like that, when they double teaming. But overall, great game, man.

[Baron Davis]

I appreciate it. My dog.

[Draymond Green]

By the way, how you feeling after game one?

[Baron Davis]

I feel great, man. You know, after the playoffs you doing everything recovery. I was doing recovery stuff and watching film till 3:30 in the morning and so I feel incredible. I feel absolutely incredible. And then I got up this morning, got another treatment session in got, you know, some, some core work and stuff in, in the weight room. So body feel amazing, man. It's a, it's a very physical game, you know what I'm saying? It's extremely physical. But what I will say is I thought our defense was on point. We gave up 85 points.

[Draymond Green]

That's crazy.

[Baron Davis]

That's with 14 turnovers, I think 14 turnovers and 22 offensive rebounds and we gave up 85 points, you know, so you gotta feel really great about the defense because this is a great offensive rebounded team. Like that is one of their specialties and stuff, I think, you know, it makes me think back to like Steph Klay KD them years where like we were the best three point shooting team and teams would come into the game and be like, yo, we gonna completely take the three away from them and we will still end up getting threes. That's them with offensive rebound. We're not going to stop them from getting offensive rebounds. Like it's like. But what we do have to do is there were maybe seven of them, eight of them that we get our hands on. And you gotta have, you know what I'm saying? Those are the ones. So all of a sudden 22 ain't 22 and it's 14. That's a totally different situation, you know what I'm saying? So I think we can clean up that stuff like that. Some of the turnovers we had, we could clean up. But holding that team to 85 points and I don't think we had a great offensive night, you know. So holding that team to 85 points I think was a big deal. I think that's something we can build up on in this series for sure.

[Draymond Green]

And a team, that offensive rebound like that, I think a big counter to that is you get easy layups. So being able to fast break, get out like you said, if you can track some of those rebounds, long rebounds, get out on the break and the way your defense has been steadfast, it's going to result in. That's how you get the lead, right? That's how you get to 20. And I think when they start cutting away was offensive rebounds, right? Offensive rebounds, a three attempt, offensive rebound, another three attempt. And you know, in the playoffs it's just hard to overcome a lot of that. But this is that team's M.O. to the basket, you know, shoot the ball, get on the glass, try and get tip ins, kick outs for wide open shots.

[Baron Davis]

Yeah, no, they, they lead at it for sure. So we gotta be better at it. But also understanding that that is one of their strengths, they gonna do that well taking other stuff away, you know what I'm saying?

[Draymond Green]

So that was a hell of a, hell of a game. Though, bro, that was a hell of a game.

[Baron Davis]

Yes, it was gonna be a fun series.

[Draymond Green]

All right, Dub Nation, you know what time it is, and your 158 playoff appearance and your hundredth playoff win with Steph. How do you feel about that finish?

[Baron Davis]

It's crazy. Number one, 158 playoff games. I just want to give our listeners some perspective at 164, that will be officially two more seasons of NBA basketball that I've played in playoff games. So I'm gonna clap it up myself for that one.

[Draymond Green]

I gotta give you that longevity.

[Baron Davis]

Longevity I think I've missed, if I'm not mistaken, I think I've missed one playoff game, and that was game six. I mean, game five of the NBA Finals in 2016. So I'm proud of that. You talk 100 wins. 100 wins with Steph. Like, man, that just says so much, and, you know, I'm never gonna leave this man out, But I think 99 of them is probably with Clay as well, you know, so it's insane, man. To win that many. That amount of games together had that type of longevity. But the finish to that game was crazy, man. You know, obviously, we had a lead. They, you know, they battled back. I think they cut it all the way to two, if I'm not mistaken. And we just made plays down the stretch. Everybody made plays. I made plays on the defensive end. Jimmy made a couple plays defensively. Jimmy made plays offensively. He came up with some big offensive rebounds. Moses hit two big shots that fade away to put us up seven. And then he hit the three in the corner. BP's drive picking up that foul. He split the pair on the free throws, but that allowed us to get our defense set. Obviously, we saw what the chef got cooking, so it was a huge game down the stretch, man. Everybody who was in there made plays. GP was when he was in there, made plays. We closed that game out crazy. That was big time. Big time closing.

[Draymond Green]

Yep. I love the fact you and Jimmy were in sync on defense. What is your assessment on your first real playoff Jimmy basketball game?

[Baron Davis]

You know, it's crazy because it feel like we've been playing playoff basketball for longer than one game just because all these games been so meaningful. But what I will say is he had been saying, like, yo, I get just way more aggressive in the playoffs. And he does the shots that he looks to take that he's looking to get to. It's just a completely different person. You know, the focus level, the film, watching the study, and the preparation. I'm impressed with the whole thing, but, you know, it's good having him out there on the floor because on the court, offensively, we obviously are seeing his greatness, but defensively, we're able to play off of each other, you know, and we're able to switch matchups and different things. Like, he can guard anybody. Like, I never. You know, he's strong as hell, so he can guard smart.

[Draymond Green]

He is a smart defender.

[Baron Davis]

Oh, he's.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah.

[Baron Davis]

And now what I will say is I've. You know, I always thought Jimmy was smart. You know, I didn't know he was this smart.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, he's highly intelligent. Anybody who get that many breakaway steals, Right. Deflections, things like that, block shots, he does a little bit of everything.

[Baron Davis]

He does, man. It's crazy.

[Draymond Green]

And it goes unrecognized.

[Baron Davis]

Fact. I didn't realize he was that smart.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, he understands time, space, and disruption to the crazy, to the T. And I think that's. That's where you and him, you know, are yin and yang for the warriors defense. Talk about your favorite defensive play from game one.

[Baron Davis]

I think my favorite defensive play was. It was towards the end of the game, like, we had a. I had a couple favorite ones. Meeting Sengun in the middle of the paint where he thought he was gonna throw the body and, like, standing him up. That was a fun play. Just because it's a battle with him, man.

[Draymond Green]

Like, yeah, he tough.

[Baron Davis]

He tough, man.

[Draymond Green]

He's super tough.

[Baron Davis]

He's mobile.

[Draymond Green]

He can handle the run.

[Baron Davis]

Hitting the shot last night. He's a decent athlete. Like, he. And he understands the game, you know what I'm saying? So he's a tough, tough opponent. But in saying that, you know, I thought that one right there just kind of sent a message at that point in the game. That was fun. And then also, it's always fun watching Jimmy come around, the guy that ain't looking to get those steals. And that one he got towards the end, where I just outlayed it to him for the dunk to kind of put the icing on the cake, that was. That was a good one because, you know, it just kind of took away any hope that they had, you know, to make any comeback at that point. So, you know, like I said, it was the cherry on top. So that one. That one I enjoy.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah. Jimmy talked about he loves organized chaos. How do you all thrive in organized chaos?

[Baron Davis]

Offensively, we have always had this organized chaos because Steph creates organized chaos. Like, you know, Steph does a lot of damage off the ball. And, but it's just not like five guys or four guys running around and like, oh, all of a sudden he just pops open, you know what I'm saying? Like, it's organized chaos. Like, it's chaotic and it's all over the place. But I think what Steve did when he first got here was he put rules in place, you know what I'm saying? Like, if this happened, you do this. If that happened, you make this read. And so it's organized, but it's chaotic because it's not like, oh, he just gonna go that way every time, you know what I'm saying? That's just not how our offense work. You may go this way, you may go that way, you may go up, you may go down. That's just the way our offense works. And so when he speaks of organized chaos, it's like, it's chaotic. It's all over the place for sure. But there is more organization than the naked eye may see. But it's just not organized.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah.

[Baron Davis]

And so, yeah, it's read and react, you know, it's like, it's kind of similar to like, if you remember in football when the west coast offense got, you know, was really big with popular.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah.

[Baron Davis]

It was like, oh, if the they do this, you run this route. If they do that, you run that route, it's kind of more that. And so. And then defensively, it's always been organized chaos because I'll take chances, I'll improvise, you know, I'll do. And now you got two guys that'll do that, you know, with myself and Jimmy. But the thing is, is we don't just take risky chances, you know what I'm saying? We take like control, risk, chances and so opportunities. Yeah, for sure, for sure.

[Draymond Green]

Opportunistic chances.

[Baron Davis]

Absolutely. So that's what kind of what Jimmy was getting at it. I agree. I love organized chaos as well. Yeah.

[Draymond Green]

Organized chaos on offense is so unpredictable. You keep the defense off balance. And I think that is the beauty to Steph Curry.

[Baron Davis]

Right? Sure.

[Draymond Green]

That's the beauty to Steph Curry. Talk about your favorite three pointer. I know you've seen them all, but which one in game one stands out the most? No, just in game one. Just in this. Just in this last game one because the running 30 footer was sick.

[Baron Davis]

That was crazy.

[Draymond Green]

And then the one he hit over Thompson was even crazier.

[Baron Davis]

And he hit Fred with the boom bat.

[Draymond Green]

Oh, yeah, that was crazy too.

[Baron Davis]

But I'll say the one over Jalen Green, the degree of difficulty I thought that was Thompson.

[Draymond Green]

That was Jalen Green.

[Baron Davis]

The one on the right wing where he was falling out of bounds was over Thompson.

[Draymond Green]

That was Thompson.

[Baron Davis]

No, that was Jalen Green.

[Draymond Green]

Oh, that was Jalen Green. Oh, okay.

[Baron Davis]

The one where he came in from the backcourt was over Thompson, but the one where he was falling out of bounds was over Jalen Thomson.

[Draymond Green]

Oh, I thought that was Thompson. Garden. No, he. I don't know how he got that off.

[Baron Davis]

The thing is not a problem. He actually work on those shots. Like it's not like, oh man, he just this great shooter and he get anything to go and like he work on those shots. So I would say that was my favorite one. Like falling out of bounds.

[Draymond Green]

That was crazy.

[Baron Davis]

But the one over Thompson was so timely and it was so deep.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, it was needed.

[Baron Davis]

Yeah, it was needed.

[Draymond Green]

It was needed.

[Baron Davis]

It was time.

[Draymond Green]

Batman, Batman.

[Baron Davis]

Batman came out of the door.

[Jimmy Butler]

The NBA 82 game grind is done. Now the real fun begins. The NBA playoffs. Love them. They're here. Time for drama. Clutch moments. Steph Curry, LeBron jaw dropping plays. I can't wait. If you're looking to make the playoffs Even more exciting, DraftKings sportsbook has you covered. They're the official sports betting partner of the NBA, playing games all the way to the finals. Now's the time to back your favorite players and teams as they chase glory. So all season long, DraftKings been the go to spot for NBA player props. That doesn't stop now. If you want to make your playoff experience even more intense, try placing a bet on your favorite player's performance. Will they drop 30? 40? Who knows? Or more. It's your call. If you're ready to place your first bet, download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Takes 90 seconds. Lock in your bets and let's make the playoffs Unforgettable. Here's something special for first timers. DraftKings customers that are new bet five bucks. That's it. Five bucks and get 200 in bonus bets instantly. Just make it a playoff run to remember with DraftKings. Download their sportsbook app takes 90 seconds. The code's Colin C O L I N. That is code Colin. New customers get 200 bucks in bonus bets. Betting just five only on DraftKings. The crown is yours.

[Baron Davis]

Gambling problem.

[Jimmy Butler]

Call 1-800- gambler in New York. Call 877-8-HOPE and WIRE. Text hopeny 467-369-CONNECTIC. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino and resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction.

[Draymond Green]

Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance.

[Jimmy Butler]

For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co Audio.

[Total Wireless Ad]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total, you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Baron Davis]

Hey, so we all make mistakes, but owning up is the right thing to do. You know Degree Cool Rush deodorant well. Last year they changed the formula and it did not go well with their fans.

[Draymond Green]

Degree's whole thing is it turns up the sweat and odor protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does because Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the original formula. One guy even started an online petition and Degree listened.

[Baron Davis]

They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4.

[Draymond Green]

There's a reason why it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. It's the same reason why people were not happy when it changed. So if you never tried it, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is about.

[Baron Davis]

Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG degree. Cool rush for yourself.

[Colin Cowherd]

T Mobile's stats are as impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel. Because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network Switch now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off up to $800 per line via prepaid cart. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com KeepAndSwitch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days device knowledgeable carrier and timely redemption required card is no cash access and expires in six months.

[Better Woman Ad]

Hey friend, I know how it feels waking up exhausted after multiple trips to the bathroom and feeling embarrassed by sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge searching for a restroom whenever I was out. Then I discovered better women. I was skeptical at first, but two months in, everything changed. I experienced improved bladder control, no more heart stopping moments when I laugh or sneeze, less urge to go deeper and more restful sleep. I finally felt like myself again, confident and in control. Better women is natural, effective and trusted by Women for over 25 years. Ready to take back your control? Head over to bebetternow.com to order your supply today. That's bebetternow.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use as directed. Individual results may vary.

[Baron Davis]

Man, that was a big win, you know, Come back home and maintain home court without Jimmy. Incredible. That's how you. That's how you hold it down. I love the way we showed up.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, yeah, y' all showed up. The defense really showed up. It was a big win, especially without Jimmy. Steph went crazy. That was probably one of the best Steph Curry packages that I've seen from not just killing you with the three, but from a lead guard perspective, a playmaker perspective, controlling the game tempo. He put all that together.

[Baron Davis]

I think he did. And he wasn't turning the ball over. That was me turning the ball right. But he wasn't turning the ball over. And he made every single play when we had nothing going offensively. He just willed us because the defense, I think the defense was there. Like at one point, I think it was maybe six minutes to go and a half, five minutes to go and a half and they had 37 points and we had 24, 26 or something like that. But we knew we couldn't hit any shots. And so Steve said in that time out, he's like, yo, our defense is holding up. Just make sure the defense keep holding up. We will find a rhythm offensively. And we couldn't. But Sheff got going and he just willed us there to end that second half. That's the second quarter. And we went in the halftime of three going in. I mean, down three. Going in. Down three. We like, oh, we good. Like. Cause they weren't scoring the ball and we didn't play well and we're down three. And so he dominated the game. Like, he completely controlled everything, even with the blitz. You know, the blitz is made to speed you up. Like he was in total control.

[Draymond Green]

Pass the ball. Yeah, absolutely.

[Baron Davis]

He was in total control. He got. He got whatever it was that he wanted. If he wanted to make the pass in the blitz, he made the pass. If he wanted to beat the trap, he beat the trap. Like he got whatever it was that he wanted when he wanted to. It was beautiful to see, like you said, especially with Robin, as he calls himself, with Robin Hop. It was beautiful to see, man, just complete domination.

[Draymond Green]

Speaking of Robin, Jimmy Butler, IG Post. Thanks, Batman. And team, excluding Buddy, I would have to agree with that. You know, I'll be picking on Buddy too. Damn, Buddy, wake your ass up.

[Baron Davis]

Well, tonight Buddy showed up in a major way. Buddy hit big shots, 5 for 11 for 3. He sat down on the defensive end. He did like Buddy. Buddy played great basketball tonight. And Buddy got into it with Jayden Green at the end.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, what was that about?

[Baron Davis]

You know, just calling Buddy out his name and stuff, you know, I don't really.

[Draymond Green]

I don't.

[Baron Davis]

I don't really rock with that. You know what I'm saying? But it is what it is. You know, we move on to the next game. The game was over. We won the game. We move on to the next game. Man, you know how we rocking.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, I saw Demi on the bench being vocal, talking to Kaminga, talking to Buddy, talk about his presence out there, talk about even on the bench with those guys in that playoff environment and what it means having him still as a presence over there on the bench for yourself, and then for the Kamingas and the Buddies, it was huge because.

[Baron Davis]

Jimmy just see the game differently, you know, and although, like, hey, when you're on a bench with a coach, your coaching staff, the last thing you want is Them coaching you up every play, like you just kind of. But when you got a teammate right there and they're coaching you up, it's a totally different vibe. And so it was just another. It was just another coach on the bench that is kind of talking every single play, you know what I'm saying? He was locked into the game. He was dropping jewels over there. Things that he saw, man, it was great. Obviously, we want him out there on the floor, but that wasn't possible today. So you take what he was bringing on the bench. You bottle that up however you can. He walked in looking like Frank Lucas with the mink coat on to start the game. So you knew he was coming. He was coming to the bench to bring a presence, and he was definitely that presence of the bench. Shout out to my guy, Frank.

[Draymond Green]

Shout out to Frank Lucas.

[Baron Davis]

He had the aloe shulong, the aloe pass right there. It was fire, you know what I'm saying? When Frank walk in looking like that. Gotta get it done. He got hot, though. So, you know, Alo Cold was hit, right? And he came out of his fast.

[Draymond Green]

My boy walk out there with a comforter on. They got high quick.

[Baron Davis]

He had the aloe chinchilla on. It was like, all right. I looked back up. That mother's gone. I said. He made a statement. Oh, man. Remember to subscribe to the Draymond Green show with Baron Davis so you don't miss any episodes.

[Draymond Green]

And don't forget to follow us on all social media. Draymond Show. All right, Dub Nation. Y' all know what's up. You and Jalen Green. Yeah, y' all was getting into it, and then Jalen Green said, you know, just talking. He can't really do much of anything, so talking is his only way. Jalen Green on Draymond Green.

[Baron Davis]

Yeah.

[Draymond Green]

No, that's cool.

[Baron Davis]

I don't do much. That's fine. I don't do much.

[Draymond Green]

Hey, you was balling your ass.

[Baron Davis]

I just do what I have to do, but I don't do much. You know what I'm saying?

[Draymond Green]

He was balling, though.

[Baron Davis]

No problem. I'm happy he see it that way. That's incredible. Shout out to him.

[Draymond Green]

A lot of times, those are like blanket statements, facts. Because you can start believing that, and then I ain't gonna say nothing. That's how you get your ass kicked. Yeah, that's how you get your ass kicked. There's a fine line between respect and disrespect. You gotta be careful because it could translate on the court as, oh, I Don't feel like closing out, or I ain't gonna try and box out, or I'm just gonna let him drive to the hole. So, you know, be careful. That's what I would say to the young fella, especially in the playoffs, because it's just a different level. It's a different level of talk, and it's a different level of talking and backing it up when it comes to the playoffs. And we've seen that countless amount of times with really talented players going to the media and almost giving that energy out to themselves. I mean, you've seen it with pg, you've seen it with T Mac. You gotta be careful, especially when you're in battle and go be in a series where you gotta battle it out.

[Baron Davis]

It's all good.

[Draymond Green]

Let's talk about this Tech. Let's talk about this Tech. Okay, first, I thought we was gonna be more aware of our technical files.

[Baron Davis]

I was very aware of that one country. I was very aware.

[Draymond Green]

I'm like, hey, bro, you wanted that.

[Baron Davis]

Tech D. That was the third or fourth time somebody walking to me while I'm going up for a layup and it's not called. I had to get that one because clearly you ain't called it yet. You clearly ain't feeling my presence. So I'm gonna make sure you feel my presence now. I definitely wanted that one. And then I move on.

[Draymond Green]

It was a game changer.

[Baron Davis]

Yeah, I felt like that one was needed in that moment, and I went and I got it. And then we move on. It also turned me up. So it was great. It did. It was great. It turned me up. Like, I knew I needed that in that moment, and I did that. And it was incredible. And, yeah, that one wasn't unnecessary. That one was very necessary.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, you ran him down on that one. I was like, okay, Jordan won that Tech. But it did spark a fire in the defense. You had defense in the fourth quarter. Well, you got some really big defensive plays, a block, bunch of stops, deflecting the steal on Van Fleek. I mean, your instincts was bubbling. You was covering, right? You was covering. You was an architect on that defense. What were you seeing out there?

[Baron Davis]

You know, I think when you. That's now our third time playing, you know, like, once you start to get to game three and four in the series, like, there's not much that's gonna happen that's gonna be a surprise. You know, like, you start to figure out what they like to get to, what they like to go to when stuff ain't going well, you know, like, you just start to figure different things out. And so for me, like, after seeing the team the third time in a row, like, you gotta trust your instincts, because more likely than not, your instinct is gonna be right if you watch, you know, if you study the stuff. And so I trust in my instincts a lot, but I also know I like, we need the stops and we needed that win, and I knew that I needed to come up big on the defensive end. I couldn't quite find my rhythm offensively. So what are you going to do to impact the game? And for me, that was like, all right, I'm about to go down here. I'm going to try to get every stop, I'm going to try to get my hand in every play in one way or another. And, you know, I was able to call some habit. You know, that last play was probably the most fun with getting the outlet to GP Off. Off the turnover.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, probably dunk, you know, but that.

[Baron Davis]

Was, you know, that's just what it boils down to. I saw that he had soft Jalen Green open. So I saw it. I was, you know, I was the last line of defense. You see, I just ran away from the rim because I saw that he saw him open and he turned his back, so I knew he thought he'd still be open. I took off out of there, was able to come up with the ball and get it out to GP and now put the finishing touches on the game.

[Draymond Green]

You know, having Jimmy out, other players stepping up the guard play in this game was huge. Gary Payton II had 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter.

[Baron Davis]

Talk about his impact, man, I thought GP was huge. He's one of the best finishers around the rim in the game. For real. You know, he doesn't play the guard position for us. And, you know, me and Loon always joke with him like, gee, you a small ball five. You know, like, he got every finish around the rim that every big wish they had, you know, like, he is extremely impressive.

[Draymond Green]

He is.

[Baron Davis]

Then, you know, he was getting those dives to the rim, couple tough finishes, and then all of a sudden the Trey ball going in. And we obviously know what he does on the defensive end, you know, so when you're getting that type of production from G on the offensive end, already knowing what he's doing on the defensive end, like you said with Robbing up, it was great because you needed that production from somewhere, and it wasn't going to be one guy that gives you the production that Jimmy gives you. But As a collective, we can all do that and make up what he brings, you know, as a collective group. And that's how it got to be when you miss one of your stars. And G was, man, G played some great basketball. He showed up especially, you know, with the shoulder bothering him, you know, from the no call when he was tripped in Houston. Showed up in a major way. Shout out to gp.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah. Talking about being a superstar in your role. He. He embodied that tonight. The physicality, hitting the three ball, finishing inside. Like he said, it steals the defense. It amazes me someone that small can play, you know, on the defensive end, can play the one and switch the five and try and block the shot. I mean, his energy is. Is. Is incredible. And it's just good to see my little dog out there getting busy. Another one of my. My dogs, Buddy, he showed up for us today. 17 points. I know he has a good relationship with Jimmy, obviously with the tweet. What did you say to Buddy post game about his performance, Game three? Cause Buddy, Buddy is a funny personality, man. That's my guy.

[Baron Davis]

Buddy's hilarious, man. No, I was just talking to him really throughout the game. Buddy used to be like, you go say something to Buddy. Ah, he talks so fast. And so did you say. And now he's coming up to me like, ah, Dre, I should have got you the ball. When Stephen Adams was able to get to steal. I need to. And I'm like, wow, Buddy, like, that is a huge step in the right direction. You're coming to seek me out to talk about this play. Like, so what Jimmy's doing must be working because. No, but Buddy, honestly, man, he was huge. He hit big shots, timely threes. He hit some very timely threes. And he was good on the defensive end. It was good to see Buddy have that game. Like I said, need a collective of guys stepping up. And Buddy was right there in the mix for us. We gonna need him continue to play that way. Also, shout out to Steve because I know people was calling for Steve like, oh, why are you still playing Buddy? And Steve said, I'm gonn continued to play Buddy. You saw why. Just with his shot making ability. We need that shot making ability out there on the floor. And a locked in. Buddy is a very good Buddy. So we going to need Buddy continue to stay locked in like that. Shots won't fall every single night, but when you're a great shooter like he is, they fall most nights.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, and he'll get open. He'll get open. And he was playing on the defensive end, he was playing scrappy. He will get his shots. As long as he don't chase him, he going to get open and have opportunities to make shots. And he was big. He was huge.

[Baron Davis]

I also wanted to speak about Jonathan Kaminga. His defense starting off on Jalen Green.

[Draymond Green]

Was huge, big time.

[Baron Davis]

Hawking him big time. And when you don't allow, when you don't allow a guy to get a rhythm to start the game, that can change the game for offensive players. So I also wanted to speak on that. Jonathan Kaminga's defensive pressure on the ball to start the game was humongous.

[Draymond Green]

Huge, huge. Especially Jalen Green coming off that game two performance where he was just having his way to establish that at the beginning of the game and said, you buddy, are going to get the attention that you deserve. You know, I've been waiting for that for Kaminga.

[Baron Davis]

I've been waiting for that all year.

[Draymond Green]

And so it was a joy to see that. So shout out to Jonathan Kaminga for stepping up in the beginning and establishing himself on the defensive end because now he's going to have a breakthrough offensive game, mark my words. And you guys haven't been playing. It hasn't been a high scoring series.

[Baron Davis]

Facts, facts. I think we still got a breakout game for sure.

[Draymond Green]

And just talking about everybody stepping up. Jimmy Butler still questionable for game four. I don't know if he's going to try and play, but if he does, you know there's a chance if he plays, you know you're looking to go up three one going into game four. What do you have to improve on for the rest of the series and then especially if Jimmy is out, what are the things you guys have to do to better your chances to close the series?

[Baron Davis]

I have to improve, personally. I gotta stop turning the goddamn ball.

[Draymond Green]

I agree.

[Baron Davis]

That is my self improvement. Us as a team, I think we cleaned up that end of night. We only had 10 turnovers as a team. I think we improved offensive rebound wise in saying that they still have 15. Let's get that to 11, you know what I'm saying? Let's get that to 11 or 12. So I think and then some of those be like two or three offensive rebounds on the same possession. So sometimes the numbers can look a little more skewed than it actually is. But overall I thought we did a great job on the defensive boards. But I think the one thing that I would like to see us improve upon as a team is just continue to improve our game plan. Discipline. We have a very young Team, it's a lot of guys first time in the playoffs, first time in this situation. And so as you continue to get more and more experience under your belt in the playoffs, you hope to see guys continue to take those steps. And what I will say through three games for if you come to play in, I've seen guys taking those steps but we all know we can be better and so I'd just like to see us continue to improve up on our game plan discipline just as a team.

[Draymond Green]

Overall I truly believe when the shot clock is running down, when the ball is in the non score, meaning the three, the four or the five scorers on the team, y' all got active and when I mean getting active, you start, you shut down the next pass. So a lot of those one on one opportunities wind up in the hands of a Dillon Brooks, right, Trying to make plays, eat trying to make plays. And I think that was really, really, that was really balanced and a focused defense. When you can, when you know like oh Dillon Brooks got the ball, it's eight seconds, make him make the play. But at the same time I also think that when you guys do do that and you see people like Dylan Brooks or Thompson, you gotta be aware that they will miss shots. And that's how them offensive rebounds happen because you start, you start looking at the shot, looking at the miss and then that's how they attack. But it was great defense at the end of the game cause you start allowing the ball on, on, on the defensive side to go to the weaker offensive scorer and that. And that's why I think you guys were successful tonight.

[Baron Davis]

No, yeah, that was huge for sure. And I don't, I, I wouldn't necessarily say that was game plan, you know, it's just kind of you filling the game out as you drop there. I think anytime you can take first couple options away, make teams do what they don't necessarily want to do is always going to be good. So yeah man. Shout out to our defense again. My guy, Jerry Stackhouse, he has a certain mentality that he brings to the defense and we just try to follow that. What's up our fans? We got some great news. We're thrilled to announce that the new show merchandise is available. The site is now live so you can check it out and grab your favorites. Go to the dgbdshow.com that's the dgbdshow.com.

[Draymond Green]

If you're watching on YouTube there's a QR code on the screen that you can scan. You can click the Link in the YouTube description for all the listeners, head to draymond show on TikTok IG x Facebook and hit the website link in the bio to access the merch store. You know we finally get some merch for the show, baby. We get the final fans be able to rock the merch, rock the show, tap in with us.

[Baron Davis]

I think these should be the shirts on the seats at the game.

[Draymond Green]

Come on, let's do it. We need that game four.

[Baron Davis]

We need that Monday.

[Draymond Green]

Come on man, let's do it. I'll be at the game. We can get that cracking.

[Baron Davis]

We excited to have all y' all represent the show. So go to the dgbdshow.com and get the new merch.

[Total Wireless Ad]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc, so when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Baron Davis]

Hey, so we all make mistakes, but owning up is the right thing to do. You know a Degree Cool Rush deodorant? Well last year they changed the formula and it did not go well with their fans.

[Draymond Green]

Degree's whole thing is it turns up the sweat and odor protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does because Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the original Formula One guy even started an online petition and degree listen.

[Baron Davis]

They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4.

[Draymond Green]

There's a reason why it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. It's the same reason why people were not happy when it changed. So if you never tried it, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is about.

[Baron Davis]

Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG degree Cool Rush for yourself.

[Colin Cowherd]

T Mobile stats are as impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch now. Keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off up to $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card will have 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card is no cash access. It expires in six months.

[Better Woman Ad]

Hey friend, I know how it feels waking up exhausted after multiple trips to the bathroom and feeling embarrassed by sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge, searching for a restroom whenever I was out. Then I discovered better women. I was skeptical at first, but two months in, everything changed. I experienced improved bladder control, no more heart stopping moments when I laugh or sneeze, less urge to go deeper and more restful sleep. I finally felt like myself again. Confident and in control. Better woman is natural, effective and trusted by Women for over 25 years. Ready to take back your control? Head over to bebetternow.com to order your supply today. That's bebetternow.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use as directed. Individual results may vary.

[Draymond Green]

Game 7 clutch. You came through. Oh man, that was a hell of a game, man. On the road, game seven in Houston. You had 16 points, five assists, six rebounds. Defensively, it was a masterclass. This was your fifth time winning versus Houston. Was it a celebration? Because this was a tough series. Was it a celebration or was it was like, was it like oh man, we just. We happy we got out of this.

[Baron Davis]

I mean it's the. The celebration is goes as far as what you See guys doing on the court, the video that you may see in the hallway. If there's a video of the locker room speech, that's about as much of a celebration as it's gonna get now, I think, you know, like, we ain't turning up or lit that we won. You gotta move on from it fast. But there's an excitement about as you know, and just closing out a series, right? Like, yeah. And so, yeah, like, we never take that for granted because as you know, every series is hard. Like, I don't care how good you are, I don't care if you sweep a team. It wasn't easy. Like, it's just. It's very hard to do. And so you've shared different moments with different people, right? Like the moment that me and Steph share there and Steve is different moment, you know what I'm saying? Like. Cause we've gone in this place five times. I mean, we've played against this team five times in the playoffs and beat them all five times. Like, we've won now two game sevens in this arena against two different regimes, by the way. Like two completely different teams. Like, they were really good and got really, really, really, really, really bad and then just got really good.

[Draymond Green]

Really good, you know what I'm saying?

[Baron Davis]

So, like, we've gone through all of that and here we are. And so it's like that appreciation for that. Getting that first playoff win with Jimmy, you know, that playoff series win with Jimmy, like, and sharing in that with him, like, obviously, you know, he's been there, right? But we haven't done that together, you know what I'm saying? So you got that small celebration there. You got like the small celebration amongst the guys that this is their first time winning the playoff series, you know what I'm saying? Real small. Ain't no real celebration. I would say there's more of an appreciation than a celebration.

[Draymond Green]

That one felt good. You know, Houston was my team, one of my sleeper teams for the year. I gotta give a shout out, you know, I picked them. Have a great season. I think for you guys, it felt like the monkey was off your back, right? As the underdog, you jump out, you get the lead in the series. But you know, this team had a lot, a lot of fight, right?

[Baron Davis]

They did.

[Draymond Green]

And I love the quote. I think your quote at the end when you found the camera saying good night has been real. Like, that was a bar, right? Cause y' all been going back and forth, you know, damn near fighting. It was a scrappy series. So the good Night has been real. That was a bar. I gotta give you. I gotta give y props on that. That was a bar. That was a straight bar.

[Baron Davis]

I appreciate that, man. That felt good. You know, it's like, yeah, it's been real, but good night. It was over. Yeah, it's a wrap. We moving on to the next one. But hard fought series, man. You know, one of the tougher series I've played in, if I'm honest.

[Draymond Green]

Them boys was tough. Your boy Buddy hill went off 33 points. Nine three pointers. Bow time, Buddy.

[Baron Davis]

That's my boy.

[Draymond Green]

Listen, Buddy was right on time. About time. Buddy, baby.

[Baron Davis]

Yes, he was right on time. Buddy had like this serious ass demeanor. Like, Buddy's never serious. He had like this serious ass demeanor the last couple days. And when we got off the bus to walk into the shoot around, I was walking behind Buddy. He was first. And I'm walking in and I could see how he's walking. Like he's walking with like a.

[Draymond Green]

That's right.

[Baron Davis]

And, and. But it's like a power walk. Just like serious as hell. And he just kept like. He was so vocal and everything was just so matter of fact. Like, you think he been in this situation a million times. Like, he was so dialed in. I'm actually not surprised he had that game. He was so dialed in. When I saw him walking in, I was this close and I wish I would have done it. I was going to record him walking in because he was walking so powerful. I'm not surprised at all that he had that game. But it was great to see him have that game. I know the amount of work he put in and I know the amount of slander that he's caught all year at different times. And so to see him have that game on the biggest stage in game seven, like, you see how tight guys can get. Look at Dillon Brooks, you know what I'm saying? Like, you see, Houston was tight, like out there playing on the floor against him, like, you could feel it. Fred Van Vliet wasn't tight, you know what I'm saying?

[Draymond Green]

He been there before.

[Baron Davis]

But they were tight and we could feel that. We could sense it. The arena was tight. Like, you could sense it. They knew what was coming. They like knocked these dudes again. And everybody in the gym knew what was happening. It was the worst kept secret. And Buddy was the opposite. But he was amongst a group that was like, whatever. Like, it is what, you know, we good. Like, Steve come in like, oh, it's cool. We good. It's straight. You Know, Steph do the finger roll high up in the layup line. And when he make it, he go jumping around with everybody. He made it. Everybody out there dancing like we was loose. And I think buddy was able to feed off of that as well. Whereas opposed to those guys, they went the opposite way. It was game seven.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, you just taking game seven. Game seven, you got tightened up, you know. Yeah, game seven is just tough because all you thinking about the night before, if you've never been in one, is like, man, I finally get to be in the game seven. What am I going to do? And you saw Houston in the beginning. Even Segun missing easy bunnies, Jalen Green missing shots, Dylan Brooks missing easy ones. Outside of Van Fleek and Thompson, those are the only real force they had. And they had to scrap. Y' all made them scrap for everything. And that's what playoff game seven championship basketball is all about, 1,000%.

[Baron Davis]

You know, going into that game, we made some adjustments on how to dice their zone up, which was genius by Steve Stotts. We diced that zone up, which then forced him to have to take Stephen Adams out. And that's the lineup they was doing.

[Draymond Green]

That's the lineup that was doing the damage. Yep.

[Baron Davis]

Man, we diced that zone up, right? So. And Steve just said it like, yo, we gotta get 50. 50 balls and not turn the ball over. Like, ain't no major adjustments to be made, but we gonna be loose. You catch it, you open fire, like, yeah, we're going out there loose, and they're going to tighten up. He don't want. So he said, this arena going to be tight. They gonna be tight, everybody gonna be tight, and we going out there, we gonna be loose, we firing, and we going to get this win. Man, it was fun, I think, you know, like you said, Thompson played with a lot of force. He. He. He. He got a chance to be special. Oh, my God, he tough.

[Draymond Green]

He tough. He living the moment.

[Baron Davis]

Lot of respect for young fella. He is special. The way he defend, the way he get downhill. He's certain of himself. He athletic as hell.

[Draymond Green]

Yeah, he is.

[Baron Davis]

He relentless. Lot of respect for the young fella. Man, he on his way. He's special. Sengun got a lot of respect for him. You know, I've played against. I've played against a lot of guys, and I always tell people, man, in a playoff series, one of two things happen. You either completely lose respect for someone or you gain a lot of respect for someone, because you see who really real. When these playoffs happen, you Know what I'm saying? You see a lot of people fade. You get to see who really real. You also get to see how people act after the game, which we'll talk about. But Sengun real, man, he ain't back down at all. What I would say to him, if I was his og, he could take it right from here, flop a little less, embellish a little less. Because with a defender like me, he doing that my feet off that. You know what I'm saying? He real. He ain't. He physical. He ain't backing down. He got a bat, you know what I'm saying? Like, he and he 23 years old. Like, I don't think we don't realize he young, man.

[Draymond Green]

They got a young squad.

[Baron Davis]

Absolutely. So he. He real lot of respect for him. The way Jabari played in this series. Obviously, Stephen Adams, Fred, we. We know that they. The. They the dons over there, you know, But Jabari Smith, he was huge in this series for them. He made shots, he got loose balls. You know, he tried to put pressure on our defense. Those guys, I just name all those guys. Lot of respect for those guys. IME on how they acted after the game. You know, you see a lot about. You see a lot come out. It tell you a lot about a guy. And I didn't see. I didn't see Jalen Green after the game, but some of the guys told me that he was out there. So respect. But Dylan Brooks ran off the court. So when I say you, you see what guys is made of. He ran off the court like ain't shake nobody up. And you was you, you like, you.

[Draymond Green]

You.

[Baron Davis]

You admitted that you was trying to hurt Steph Ham, which again, fine by me, bro. Like, I get it. We all get it when you hoop, you know what I'm saying? So if you gonna be on that type of time.

[Draymond Green]

He gotta be on that time all the time.

[Baron Davis]

You gonna be talking. You gonna be Mr. Big Bad Wolf. Don't lose and then not face the music. Don't be that guy, because again, you lose a lot of respect for guys in that moment. I had a moment with Dillon Brooks back when he was with Memphis, and I said, the dynasty start after you. And the reason I said that is because things like that, because, bro, you like. So then guess what? Did Tyreson do it? He lead the court. I got love for Tyreson. His mom was talking, you know what I'm saying? My mom almost had to get out of there. You got a lot of shouting him out.

[Draymond Green]

Earlier in the year, though, absolutely.

[Baron Davis]

You know, I got a lot of love for the way he played. And I ended up catching him right before he was about to walk out the arena. And he was like, he was walking this way so he didn't have to come by me, but I could in my distance, I could see him right there. I said to him, I like waving him down. And I went and I dapped him up. And that was kind of a little safe. But don't be that guy, man. Like, you don't like, teach him.

[Draymond Green]

You gotta teach him.

[Baron Davis]

You lose a series, you gotta teach him, right? But that's who Dillon Brooks is, you know what I'm saying? And we understand, like, you a sucker, man, you like. But Tyreson, he not, you know what I'm saying? Like I said, his mind was talking. It's all love. I don't get off into that. I got a lot of love for young fella because the way he go about his business, the way he play the game, I got a lot of love for him. Don't be like that. Because you lose respect when guys lose respect for you in this league, like, it don't matter and it's going to catch you in the end, you know what I'm saying? Like, Dillon Brooks couldn't come through in this series in large part because nobody on the court respects you. So anything you do, the way it's going to be looked at, the way it's going to be received, it ain't beneficial to your team when you trying to win championships, you know what I'm saying? When you trying to compete at the highest level and you that type of guy, it ain't beneficial to your team. And they catch you in the end. So they front office tried to run off and not say, what's up? You know, like all that, like. But like I said, Ime 10 toes, you know what I'm saying? Big smile, hug, love, you know what I'm saying? But, you know, like I said, I gained a lot of respect for a lot of guys over there. Not that I ever had much respect for dude, but just show why you don't. You know what I'm saying? And Tar Easton, I still got love and respect for he a young fella.

[Draymond Green]

Hey, young dude, I'm gonna tell a.

[Baron Davis]

Young fella, don't be like that. Don't follow clowns, man. Be careful. I left the court one time after losing a series. It was right after we lost to the Cavs in 2016. I left the court, walked to the locker room, I got to my seat. And for me, it was just such a whirlwind. I'm like, damn, we just lost, man. And I got to my seat, I'm.

[Draymond Green]

Like, what am I doing?

[Baron Davis]

I got out my seat, walked back out there, shook everybody up, congratulated them, and then went back to the locker room like, don't be that guy. You don't want to be that guy.

[Draymond Green]

All right, Dubnation. Y' all know what's cracking? Bay Area? Steph Curry showed up in the second half. In the fourth quarter, he scored 14 of his 22 points. He led throughout the game, and he was waiting for his moment. Talk about his preparation or what you was what you saw with him during the game. It felt like he was pacing himself for that time.

[Baron Davis]

I don't think he was necessarily pacing himself. I think, you know, one thing or.

[Draymond Green]

Being patient or being patient.

[Baron Davis]

He was definitely patient. But, you know, everybody been talking about the meeting. You know, I spoke my piece in the meeting, and one of the things that Steph said in the meeting, he said, control the controllables. That's essentially what Draymond is saying. Control the controllables. Control what you can control. So I know I can control not turning the ball over. I know I can control what I do on the defensive end. I know I can control getting loose balls. I'm going to control those things. And so in saying that, one of the things that Steve has said to myself, and I'm sure he said the same thing to Steph when we sat and had that conversation that everybody's talking about. One of the things he said to me, he said, it's my job to tell you what it means for you leading tonight, like what we need from your leadership tonight. It's my job to emotionally prepare you for that. And he gave me some gems over there, but they're saying that Steph's job last night was to not turn the ball off. And so he played such a patient game because he wasn't gonna take any risk. He was gonna not turn the ball over because that's what it required for us to win that game. And you know what dons do when it's time to win the game? 7. They do what's required. You know, when we played in Sacramento, you know what was required of him? It was required of him to get 50 for us to win. And the don went and got 50. Dons do what they have to do when it needs to be done. And that's what the game called for from Steph. And he was patient and then he took over. When it was time to send them boys home on their way, he took over and he did what he had to do down to stretch him and Jimmy Buckets, you know, so it was, you know, it was beautiful to see his floor game.

[Draymond Green]

I like watching that version of Steph Curry. That is my favorite version of Steph Curry. He led the team in rebounds, steals, blocks. But his pace, right, his pace, even though he playing at the same high frequency, the way he was thinking about the game, the way he was involving people, he turned down opportunities for another opportunity, knowing that the opportunity was going to come back. It was magical to see super duper stars, right? Iconic players operate and paint at a different pace than everybody else, right?

[Baron Davis]

Facts, facts.

[Draymond Green]

It was like, whoa, hold on, okay? He leading the team in rebounds. He doing all the little things that, like you say, control that cover. You gotta cover yourself. And then Jimmy went on his own 6, 0 run in the fourth to put the game away. We see the dynamic of was Steph controlling the game and what Steph can do in the fourth quarter. Then that Jimmy dynamic of, hey, you paying so much attention to Steph Curry. There go Jimmy with the misos I told you about, right? He gets big buckets because people forget that he's on the floor. For some strange reason, they forget that he on the floor because he wind up with an ISO they don't double, right? And he get to his spot and he's. Man, he's money.

[Baron Davis]

Yes, he is. No, Jimmy's a great man offensively and defensively, a presence. His iq. Jimmy be out there talking everybody through everything like, yo, we do this. Just do this. This will kill him. Just do that thing. Do this. He diabolical with it, man. It's so dope to be on this side. When you play somebody in the playoffs, you get to see what's real. Obviously, we never got the opportunity to play Jimmy in the playoffs. And so to play with him and be in the playoffs, like, just get to see it. It's real.

[Draymond Green]

It's exciting.

[Baron Davis]

Jimmy again, it's real.

[Draymond Green]

Congratulations on game seven. Moving right along.

[Baron Davis]

The volume. Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And degree listened. That doesn't happen often.

[Draymond Green]

They admitted that they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's antiperspirant. And is back in Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4.

[Baron Davis]

So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local stores to to try the OG cool rush for yourself.

[Total Wireless Ad]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Better Woman Ad]

Hey friend, I know how it feels waking up exhausted after multiple trips to the bathroom and feeling embarrassed by sudden leaks. I used to be constantly on edge searching for a restroom whenever I was out. Then I discovered better women. I was skeptical at first, but two months in, everything changed. I experienced improved bladder control, no more heart stopping moments when I laugh or sneeze, less urge to go deeper, and more restful sleep. I finally felt like myself again, confident and in control. Better Woman is natural, effective and trusted by Women for over 25 years. Ready to take back your control? Head over to bebetternow.com to order your supply today. That's bebetternow.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use as directed. Individual results may vary.

[Baron Davis]

With the Amex Gold Card, you can run your errands and grab a pick me up From Dunkin on Amex. Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits when you pay with the Gold Card at the Duncan Enrollment Required terms apply.

[Draymond Green]

Learn [e-mail] US Explore Gold. You're listening to an iHeart podcast.