Warriors Hope Draymond Green Can Boost Offense Without Curry

Golden State looks to regain offensive rhythm with Green's return from injury

Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:34pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Golden State Warriors have found an offensive rhythm in recent games without Draymond Green, who has been sidelined with a lower back injury. The team is hoping Green can help maintain that rhythm when he returns to the lineup, likely on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Green's passing and off-ball actions have been key to the Warriors' offense, especially when Stephen Curry is out. Head coach Steve Kerr said the team has discussed ways to open up Green's game and get him more involved without Curry on the floor.

Why it matters

The Warriors' offense has thrived in recent games without Green, but his return could be crucial as the team looks to maintain that momentum with Curry still sidelined. Green' s playmaking and ability to create mismatches are important parts of the Warriors' system, so finding ways to maximize his impact will be key to the team' s success in Curry' s absence.

The details

In the Warriors' loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Green struggled offensively as defenders focused on taking away his driving lanes with Curry out. However, he bounced back in the second half, beating the Pelicans in transition and making plays as a screener and roller. Kerr said the team has discussed running more off-ball actions to open up Green' s game without Curry. When the two play together, their two-man actions remain effective, but the Warriors will need to find new ways to leverage Green' s skills with Curry sidelined.

  • Green has missed the Warriors' last two wins over the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies due to lower back soreness.
  • Green is likely to return to the lineup on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The players

Draymond Green

A veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors who is known for his passing, defense, and ability to create mismatches.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' star point guard who is currently sidelined with a runner' s knee injury.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors who has discussed ways to get the most out of Draymond Green in Curry' s absence.

Kristaps Porzingis

The newly acquired center for the Warriors who returned to practice after missing the last three games with an illness and is questionable to play on Saturday.

Al Horford

The veteran center who has started in place of Draymond Green in the Warriors' last two wins, providing outside shooting and passing to complement the team' s offense.

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What they’re saying

“There are some sets that we can call (to open his offense), doing some of our off-ball stuff and some adjustments that he has to make without Steph. Those are all things we talked about internally and with the whole group and with Draymond individually.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors (San Francisco Chronicle)

“The faster we can play without Steph, the more likely we are to generate a good shot.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.