NBA playoffs 2017: Danny Green destroys Steph Curry’s layup (Video)

Early in Game 1 of their Western Conference Finals series, Danny Green destroyed Steph Curry’s layup attempt. 

The San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors are the Western Conference Finals series the universe deserves. They are clearly the two best teams in the West, especially after the Houston Rockets’ embarrassing performance against Gregg Popovich’s squad. Early on, the game has been back and forth, with both teams playing quality defense. Danny Green set the tone early on by denying Steph Curry’s layup attempt.

So far, San Antonio has been playing the Warriors very tough. It’s because of plays like Green’s that they have a chance of beating them. However, the Spurs need more in your face and intense plays like this defensively if they want to beat them in the seven games series. It’s hard to take the crowd out of the game in Golden State, but Green’s block sure silenced them for a few seconds.

A second round pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the guard got traded to San Antonio in 2010. He’s been a reliable guy in Popovich’s system, filling roles as a starter and as a bench player. During the 2016-17 regular season, Green averaged 26.6 minutes per game.

He’s no star, but he’s still one of the better role players in the NBA. Green averages 7.3 points per game, 1.8 assists per game and 3.3 rebounds per game. He isn’t someone you’d expect to block a Curry layup attempt, averaging under a block a game, but his effort prevents an easy basket for the Warriors.

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San Antonio must rely on their defense to shut down the Warriors. Green’s play is an example of that. But they’ll also need to keep up with the Warriors offensively because Golden State is still going to get their points. Early on, they’re matching them well.