"Draymond, that defense tonight on Giannis was incredible," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of Green. "To hold him to five field goals, Draymond showed why he is still one of the great defenders in the world. It wasn't just the defense; it was the leadership, the energy." Green last won the award in the 2016-17 season.

If there’s anyone who’s best suited to snatch the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in the final weeks of the season, it’s the Warriors’ bold and brash veteran forward Draymond Green. For the second time this season,

Green not only helped the Warriors win without Stephen Curry (rest), but his smothering defense on Antetokounmpo — who came in averaging 30.4 points per game as the second-highest-leading