West Notes: Warriors, Draymond Green, Nuggets, Timberwolves

Warriors

While things have been far from perfect for the Warriors this season, forward Draymond Green suggested he remains confident.

“I’m not concerned about anybody in the West. I think there are good teams that you have to fear,” Green said on ESPN, via Talkin’ NBA. “Phoenix is one of those teams. I’ve been telling everybody for two years: I’m never counting the Lakers out… I know if we play our A game, nobody is beating us.”

• Shooting guard Klay Thompson said he was grateful for being able to make an impact in a Finals rematch win over the Celtics. “I cherish being able to move out there on defense and compete more than I ever have before,” he said, via Monte Pool of NBC Sports Bay Area. “When you face the best, your game usually reflects that, and you try to rise to the level of competition.”

Nuggets

• Back-to-back MVP and Nuggets center Nikola Jokic said he’s not a big fan of when fans chant “M-V-P” when he’s at the line. “No, I always miss,” Jokic said, via Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports.
• When asked if Jokic would like the fans to stop, he merely said, “I cannot control that,” via Wind.

Timberwolves

Center Rudy Gobert indicated he is a big fan of forward Kyle Anderson, an underrated passer and team-first player.

“Kyle makes it easy for everyone around him. He’s just such a smart player, and, like I said, I just gotta be at the right spot and with Kyle the ball is gonna come to you,” Giobert said, via Dane Moore of Blue Wire Pods. “There’s no magic in it.”

• Shooting guard Anthony Edwards has been quietly having a great season amidst all the an otherwise disappointing start for the team. The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging a team-best 22.8 points, as well as 5.7 rebounds.

"I'm not concerned about anybody in the West. I think there are good teams that you have to fear… Phoenix is one of those teams. I've been telling everybody for two years: I'm never counting the Lakers out… I know if we play our A game, nobody is beating us."

—Draymond Green pic.twitter.com/dzpO1F2wXk

— ??????’ ??? (@_Talkin_NBA) December 11, 2022