Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green issued a stark warning to the Golden State Valkyries following their 3-2 lead in the WNBA Finals, reminding the team that securing a championship requires one final, grueling victory. Speaking after the Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, Green drew a direct parallel to the 2016 NBA Finals, where his team squandered a 3-1 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Winning three games in the NBA Finals is a long way away from four,” Green stated, emphasizing that the psychological weight of the closing game is often underestimated by outsiders.
Warriors star urges WNBA finalists to respect the final hurdle after 2016 Finals trauma
The Valkyries, in only their second year of existence, advanced to Game 6 with a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream earlier on Monday. While the franchise is enjoying an improbable journey to the brink of a title, Green cautioned that the upcoming matchup in Atlanta will be the most difficult challenge they have faced. “That next game, to close out, is going to be the hardest game they’ve ever played in their lives,” he noted. Despite the cautionary tone, Green expressed confidence in the roster’s resilience, stating, “I think they’re cut out for it.”
The stage is now set for a decisive Game 6 on Thursday in Atlanta, where the Valkyries must defeat the Dream to claim the WNBA championship. Green acknowledged the unique nature of the team’s rapid rise, describing it as a “special year” that has captivated Bay Area basketball fans. However, his comments serve as a critical reminder that in high-stakes professional sports, momentum is fragile, and the path to the trophy is defined by the ability to execute under maximum pressure in the final minutes of a series.
Source: Yahoo Sports
