Editor's note: Grant Liffmann (@grantliffmann) is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders, which airs on NBC Sports Bay Area 90 minutes before each home game and 60 minutes after every game. Each week, Grant will drop his Outsider Observation on the state of the Dubs.
All things considered, everyone should breathe a sigh of relief that Kevin Durant ONLY mildly strained his right calf. After some devastating injury speculations, this is good news for the Warriors. He will be re-evaluated next week and there is optimism that he can play again soon.
The problem is that the Warriors still have to win a game against the Rockets to advance, and they will now be without their best player.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
So naturally, the attention turns to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to carry the team. Klay had a major bounce-back game after struggling with his shot for a majority of the series, scoring 27 points on efficient shooting.
Curry, on the other hand, struggled for most of three quarters, shooting just 4-of-14, but then was suddenly re-energized with Durant's injury. After KD left the game, his fellow MVP teammate scored 16 points on 5-of-9 from the field.
With Durant out, the Splash Brothers will have to increase their scoring and productivity. While this has not been an issue in the past, it can be pretty difficult against a very good defensive team like Houston.
Despite everyone concentrating on Curry and Thompson, the onus also significantly falls on Draymond Green's shoulders. Draymond has been filling up the stat sheet this whole playoff run, especially the last six games. In that span, Green has averaged nearly 15 points per game, shot 58 percent from the field, collected 11 rebounds and dished out nine assists. He also has recorded three double-doubles and two triple-doubles in the same six games.
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
In the one game that he missed that accomplishment, he scored 14 points to go along with nine rebounds and nine assists. The best development for Draymond has been the improvement of his three-point stroke. Green has made three shots from deep over the last couple games, after going six straight games without making any.
With the loss of Durant, the Warriors will have to make up for over 30 points a game. Even if Draymond is not scoring more than his current average, it'll be up to him to be a major playmaker for the team. There is no doubt that the Rockets will do everything in their power to limit Steph from beating them, most likely sending double-teams and traps in order to get the ball out of his hands.
The main recipient of the ball will be Draymond, who will have to play decisively, either attacking the rim or distributing the ball to shooters. Teammates such as Andre Iguodala and Alfonzo McKinnie will have to be ready in the corners for a Draymond pass, and either take a confident corner-three or drive to the hoop.
[RELATED: It's all up to the Three Originals after KD's injury]
However, if the Warriors are to beat the Rockets and advance, it will be up to their defense to set the tone. There is no better defensive tone-setter than Draymond Green.
While he has been individually impressive on defense, it will be up to him to lead and inspire the rest of the team to fight and scrap. The Rockets have crashed the glass all series, and have played a physical brand of basketball that has caught the Warriors off-guard at times, Draymond will have to keep the team focused and at the very least matching Houston's intensity.
If the Warriors are to move on to the Western Conference finals, then obviously the Splash Brothers will have to be highly productive. But Draymond Green will have to be the heart and soul and keep filling up the box score.
And as he has proven throughout his career, he will be up to the task.