Draymond Green: Warriors Can Fix Season with Better Defense After Loss to Grizzlies

Draymond Green believes the answers to the Golden State Warriors' struggles could be on the defensive end.

The veteran forward, who returned from suspension on Monday in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, thinks the Warriors are capable of getting out of their rut if they step things up on defense.

"If we got guys that will take pride in themselves and play defense, one through 17, or however many guys we got, then it is solvable," Green said. "If guys won't take pride in defense, it's not. It's very simple. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Got to take pride in your one-on-one matchup."

The Warriors have lost eight of their last 11 games and currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference. Golden State currently has a 118.2 defensive rating, which ranks 21st, while maintaining the ninth-best offensive rating at 117.4. It's clear the Warriors' struggles stem from the defensive end.

Green missed 16 games due to a suspension caused by his striking of Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in December. The suspension also took into account Green's history of unsportsmanlike acts.

With the former Defensive Player of the Year back on the floor, perhaps it will give the Warriors' a boost on defense.

But Green's return won't magically turn things around for Golden State — it will take a team effort. Monday's loss to the Grizzlies was a prime example of the Warriors' struggles this season. Klay Thompson had just nine points on a lackluster 4-of-10 from the field and while Steph Curry had 26 points, he missed several key shots down the stretch.

The Warriors' defensive struggles were evident as well as they gave up 116 points. As Green mentioned, several Grizzlies players scored above their season scoring average, including career highs from Vince Williams Jr. and rookie GG Jackson.

"If you don't take pride in one-on-one defense, every guy..." Green said. "Until we take pride, it'll be the same old story."

Golden State will look to get back in the win column against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in a game that feels increasingly important with the season at the midway point.