The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors have had a rivalry brewing since their meeting in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs, but the series has been unexpectedly lopsided recently. The Kings have beaten the Warriors in four consecutive meetings, the last two being by an average margin of 27 points.

Jan 15, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) walk to the bench at the end of the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.

Draymond Green is the emotional leader of the Golden State Warriors roster. The veteran forward is relied upon to set a tone, both on the court and in the locker room. His experience as a four-time NBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year is invaluable; especially now the Warriors are edging toward a younger cohort of players.

Without their best defensive player against the reigning NBA champions, the Warriors produced a -40.7 net rating. During the season, the Warriors post a 1.0 net rating when Green plays, with their production dropping significantly when he doesn't suit up with a -6.8 figure.