“One Win Doesn’t Change That”: Draymond Green Takes Ownership of Getting Warriors Their ‘Edge’ Back
As the 2024-2025 NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors have been working tirelessly to reclaim the sense of dominance and “edge” that has been synonymous with their championship-winning teams. Amid inconsistent performances and struggles to assert themselves against the league’s elite, Draymond Green, the Warriors’ defensive anchor, vocal leader, and spiritual centerpiece, recently reflected on the team’s journey and his role in returning the Warriors to their true form. While Golden State has long been known for its potent offense and dynamic shooting, it is Green’s leadership and grit that has always served as the emotional backbone of the team. But, as Green put it, one win doesn’t change everything.
The Warriors’ Recent Struggles: Looking for the “Edge”
The Warriors, despite boasting an incredibly talented roster, have encountered challenges throughout the 2024-2025 season. Their defense, once a hallmark of the team, has been inconsistent, and there have been growing concerns over the depth of their bench, particularly in key moments during close games. Additionally, while their high-powered offense led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins remains one of the most potent in the league, the team has not been able to consistently impose their will on their opponents.
What the Warriors have missed, perhaps more than anything, is the sense of “edge” that they had during their championship runs. During those years, Green’s fiery presence on the court and leadership off the court helped to ignite the Warriors’ relentless defense and stifling pressure. Green was the engine that fueled their defensive identity, ensuring that no lead was safe, and that no opponent could get too comfortable when facing Golden State. His ability to get under the skin of opposing players, to make big plays in clutch moments, and to lead by example, set the tone for a team that prided itself on competitive ferocity.
But as the Warriors have gone through ups and downs this season, there has been a noticeable gap—an emotional disconnect—that’s not so easily explained by stats or injuries. The Warriors were, in Green’s words, searching for that “edge” again. The passion, the fire, and the mindset that had led them to four championships in eight years was conspicuously missing at times. That’s when Green took it upon himself to remind the team of what they were capable of—and what was expected of them.
Draymond Green’s Accountability and Leadership
Draymond Green, ever the realist, has never been one to shy away from taking responsibility when things aren’t going right. Whether it’s his penchant for stirring up controversy or his willingness to hold himself and his teammates accountable, Green has always been a leader who doesn’t hide from the tough truths. After a particularly frustrating stretch of games, Green spoke candidly to the media about the Warriors’ struggles and what was needed to get back on track.
“Look, one win doesn’t change that,” Green said after a key victory against a tough opponent. “We’ve been through a lot this season, and I’m not going to pretend like one game is going to fix everything. But we have to start somewhere. For me, it starts with us getting back to what made us special in the first place: our edge. We’ve got to bring that fire every single night.”
Green’s words were not merely a reflection of his personal feelings but a clarion call for the team to return to its roots. His leadership, both on and off the court, is about more than just producing stats or inspiring his teammates with his on-court play. Green understands that for the Warriors to succeed, they need that intangible factor: the hunger, the defensive tenacity, and the competitive spirit that’s made them a dynasty.
The Warriors’ edge is multifaceted. It’s about Green’s defense, but it’s also about the Warriors’ ability to stay locked in mentally. It’s about the team’s ability to communicate and trust one another. Green’s vocal leadership in the locker room, his coaching on the court, and his focus on winning each possession help guide the team through difficult stretches. But, as Green pointed out, it’s not enough to simply want to get it back. The Warriors must actively work to reclaim that competitive spirit that has defined their championship pedigree.
The Fire That Drives Green
It’s easy to forget that Draymond Green, despite being a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time NBA champion, is still often viewed as an underdog story. When Green entered the league in 2012, he was a second-round pick, drafted with the 35th overall selection. He wasn’t expected to become a key figure on a team that would go on to revolutionize basketball. He wasn’t expected to be the emotional core of a dynasty. But Green has always played with a chip on his shoulder, constantly reminding anyone who doubted him of his worth.
It’s this fire, this relentless drive, that Green brings to the Warriors. His energy is infectious, and it’s been the catalyst for many of the Warriors’ biggest moments. From his crucial defensive plays in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals to his ability to shift momentum in high-pressure moments, Green has been the guy who makes sure the Warriors never back down from a challenge. But as Green acknowledged in his recent comments, the Warriors have been missing that spark at times.
“Look, I know I’m not the only guy on this team who cares about winning,” Green said. “But when we’re not playing with that edge, I take it personally. That’s my job: to get everyone to buy into the energy we need to win. This is a championship team, and we’ve got to act like it. One win doesn’t change that. We’ve got to prove it every night.”
The Role of Green’s Leadership in Returning the Edge
Green’s leadership has always been one of the most essential elements of the Warriors’ success. While Curry and Thompson have been the face of the franchise, and Steve Kerr the mastermind behind their offensive system, Green’s ability to command the team’s mentality has been just as crucial to their championship runs. Over the years, Green has become the emotional leader of the Warriors, the player who leads by example and holds his teammates accountable.
This season, Green has been vocal about the need to rekindle that energy, not just for himself, but for the entire team. “We’ve all got to be accountable,” Green said. “We’ve got to be able to hold each other to a high standard. It’s not just about one player, it’s about the whole group. Everyone needs to bring their ‘A’ game, and that’s how we get our edge back.”
Green’s leadership extends beyond his fiery play on the court. He’s one of the Warriors’ most outspoken players off the court as well. Known for his candidness in interviews and his willingness to speak his mind, Green has never been one to sugarcoat the reality of the situation. He’s quick to call out teammates who aren’t pulling their weight or who aren’t playing with the necessary intensity. At the same time, Green is equally quick to take responsibility when the team is underperforming, never shying away from his own shortcomings.
The Impact of Draymond Green on the Warriors’ Success
While Green’s vocal leadership is critical, it’s his on-court play that truly drives the Warriors’ success. As a versatile defender who can guard every position on the floor, Green has long been the Warriors’ defensive anchor. His basketball IQ allows him to read plays and make timely interventions, whether it’s stealing a pass, blocking a shot, or simply disrupting the opposing offense. Beyond his defense, Green’s ability to facilitate Golden State’s offense with his high-level passing makes him a key figure in the team’s success.
However, what separates Green from many other players in the league is his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments. Whether it’s his leadership during key playoff series or his ability to ignite the crowd with a clutch defensive play, Green is often the emotional spark that drives the Warriors to greatness. This season, Green has been vocal in pushing his teammates to play with the same intensity, and his recent comments about getting the Warriors’ edge back show that he’s aware of the importance of his role in making that happen.
“We have everything we need to win,” Green said. “We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the coaching, and we’ve got the experience. But what we need is to get back to playing with that chip on our shoulder. We’ve been through a lot, and that’s part of the journey. But we have to stay hungry. We can’t relax. One win doesn’t change that.”
Looking Ahead: The Warriors’ Path to Reclaiming Their Edge
As the Warriors move through the 2024-2025 season, Green’s leadership and commitment to getting the team’s edge back will be crucial. The Warriors are still among the most talented teams in the NBA, but the mental and emotional aspect of the game is just as important as the physical. Green has always embodied the Warriors’ competitive spirit, and his continued ability to lead by example will be key to their success.
Green’s call for the Warriors to reclaim their edge isn’t just about individual performances. It’s about the collective mindset of the team. It’s about getting back to the basics of what made the Warriors great: relentless defense, ball movement, and unselfish play. It’s about playing with a sense of urgency, even when the regular season doesn’t demand it. And, most importantly, it’s about being relentless every time they step on the court.
In the coming months, the Warriors will need Green to continue pushing them to be the best version of themselves. With the talent they have, the Warriors are capable of making another deep playoff run. But it’s clear that in order for them to reach their full potential, they must play with that same hunger and intensity that they’ve been known for in the past.
For Draymond Green, the message is clear: One win doesn’t change everything. The journey is ongoing, and the Warriors’ edge is something that must be fought for every night. The team’s success, both now and in the future, depends on reclaiming that competitive fire—and Green is determined to ensure that the Warriors do just that.
