Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors showcased their postseason mettle during Wednesday’s do-or-die Western Conference play-in clash against the Los Angeles Clippers, overcoming a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to prevail 126-121.
Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green delivered a vintage defensive performance, shutting down Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard in the final 12 minutes, earning widespread praise.
Draymond Green’s Defensive Dominance vs. Kawhi Leonard Keeps Warriors’ Playoff Hopes Alive
The Warriors appeared to be headed to their inevitable demise entering Wednesday, having lost seven of their last eight regular-season outings, with coach Steve Kerr hinting pregame that their Stephen Curry-led core’s run under his leadership could be over.
Instead, Curry tallied 27 of his game-high 35 points in the second half, while Green held Leonard in check late, pushing the 10th-placed Warriors (37-45) one step closer to an improbable playoff berth.
Green held Leonard to just 2 points on 1-for-2 shooting in the fourth quarter, with his suffocating defense making it difficult for the seven-time All-Star to get to his spots. The four-time NBA champion put an exclamation point on his defensive clinic with a clutch steal on Leonard in the final minute.
With Leonard pushing the ball up the court as LA trailed 123-117 with just over 42 seconds remaining, Green poked the ball loose and dived for it, securing possession. His championship-level defensive intensity, combined with critical late-game 3-pointers from veteran big man Al Horford and Curry, helped Golden State cap off its thrilling comeback.
Leonard didn’t score his lone fourth-quarter basket until the last 16 seconds as the Clippers’ resurgent campaign, which saw them overcome a nightmarish 6-21 start to finish above .500 (42-40), reached a disappointing conclusion.
After the Warriors’ 16-6 game-clinching run, the NBA world was singing Green’s praises on X.
“DRAYMOND GREEN DEFENSIVE MASTERCLASS. OH MY GOODNESS,” Hoop Central captioned a clip of Green’s crucial steal.
DRAYMOND GREEN DEFENSIVE MASTERCLASS
OH MY GOODNESS. 🔒🔒🔒 pic.twitter.com/OKE54PzHgC
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 16, 2026
“Draymond Green absolutely CLAMPED Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter tonight. Major props,” Legion Hoops posted alongside Leonard’s stat line in the final frame.
Draymond Green absolutely CLAMPED Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter tonight. Major props. (@realapp) pic.twitter.com/gKSph1dnTs
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 16, 2026
“Draymond Green’s defense on Kawhi Leonard in the second half has been ELITE. Another reason why Green is still one of the best defensive players in the league in big games and moments,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel lauded Green.
Draymond Green’s defense on Kawhi Leonard in the second half has been ELITE.
Another reason why Green is still one of the best defensive players in the league in big games and moments.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) April 16, 2026
“A Draymond and Steph absolute masterclass to earn the Warriors another game. The 2 most important people in the Warriors dynasty fighting to the very end. Championship-level effort in the play-in. You gotta love it,” FS1’s Nick Wright gushed.
A Draymond and Steph absolute masterclass to earn the Warriors another game.
The 2 most important people in the Warriors dynasty fighting to the very end.
Championship level effort in the play-in.
You gotta love it.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 16, 2026
“OMG! What a game. What a performance from @StephenCurry30 in the 2nd Half. Same to @Al_Horford with those big-time 3s. And then @Money23Green with the damn defense on Kawhi Leonard — held to 2 pts in the 4th QT — with two key steals. Can’t say enough about these @warriors, man. Just can’t say enough!!!” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith raved.
OMG! What a game. What a performance from @StephenCurry30 in the 2nd Half. Same to @Al_Horford with those Big-time 3’s. And then @Money23Green with the damn defense on Kawhi Leonard — held to 2 pts in the 4th QT — with two key steals. Can’t say enough about these @warriors, man.…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 16, 2026
The Warriors will next visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday in another must-win showdown for a shot at the West’s eighth seed. The winner will face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 1 of the playoffs.
