Green welcomes hate for tough defensive play

CLEVELAND — Yes, the Warriors have three all-time great shooters in Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and no doubt would score on defenses nicknamed “Bad Boys” or “Steel Curtain.” But they are just as tough defensively.

To LeBron James, the chief reason is clear: Draymond Green.

“Draymond is a catalyst and the anchor for their defense. Very, very smart defensively,” James said of the Warriors forward. “He knows pretty much every set. He kind of flies around and dictates their defense, either on the perimeter or protecting the rim as well.” For Green, it’s a job. “It’s just something I try to embody, just being that piece to pump some life into the team,” Green said. “It definitely comes with some hate, which is fine and it comes with some love which is great. I’m out here to do a job.”

➤ While Kevin Durant told ESPN he intends to re-sign with the Warriors this summer, speculation always swirls about James. Durant was asked what James might do.

“I have no clue,” Durant said. “We never talk about basketball, so I don’t know.”

Could James go to the Warriors, Draymond Green?

“I think if LeBron James plays with the Golden State Warriors, there is a high possibility I won’t be here,” Green said, indicating salary-cap issues.

➤ Andre Iguodala gave the Warriors a productive 22 minutes Wednesday after missing six games with a left leg contusion and bone bruise. How did he feel Thursday?

“I’m breathing,” Iguodala said. “That’s all you can ask for.”

Iguodala suffered a right leg bruise Wednesday but is listed as probable for Game 4.

➤ James was asked for memories of Durant from the Miami-OKC finals in 2012.

“It’s Kevin Durant at 23 ... There’s nothing that Kevin Durant could show me at 23 that would make me be like, ‘Oh, years from now ...’ No, Kevin Durant was great at 23,” James said.

“It’s not like you would think that he would fizzle out. You knew he was built for greatness from the time that he was drafted. I mean, everybody knew that besides Portland, I guess. Sorry, Portland. Sorry,” James said, referring to Portland picking Greg Oden No. 1 with Durant going No. 2 to Seattle.