Kawhi Leonard spoke highly of Draymond Green after the Golden State Warriors veteran put the clamps on him late in the Los Angeles Clippers’ 126-121 Western Conference play-in loss on Wednesday.
Upon hearing of Leonard’s kind words, Green appeared taken aback as he reflected on the seven-time All-Star’s legacy.
Draymond Green Pays Respect to Kawhi Leonard After Play-In Showdown
With both teams fighting for a playoff spot, the Clippers appeared in firm control early in the fourth quarter, leading 98-85. However, between lockdown defense from Green and clutch late-game shot-making from the likes of superstar guard Stephen Curry and veteran big man Al Horford, the Warriors mounted a furious comeback.
Green held Leonard to just 2 points on 1-for-2 shooting in the final quarter, with the two-time NBA Finals MVP’s lone basket coming with 16 seconds remaining. The 36-year-old delivered a full-fledged defensive highlight reel with his relentless on-ball pressure and active hands, proving that he’s still got it in Year 14.
Draymond Green’s solitary confinement of Kawhi Leonard compilation, final 3 minutes: pic.twitter.com/tNabKVpLOX
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 16, 2026
After LA’s collapse that ended an eventful season, which was characterized by an improbable 42-40 finish after starting just 6-21, Leonard dubbed Green a “Hall of Fame defender,” noting that “it was hard to even get shots up” against him.
Kawhi on Draymond:
“Hall of Fame defender. It was hard to even get shots up” pic.twitter.com/hVqv95afMC
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 16, 2026
Leonard’s remarks had Green feeling sentimental postgame, as he gushed about the Clippers star’s illustrious career as one of the league’s premier two-way forces.
“To hear one of the greats say that about me, man, that’s special,” Green said. “That’s why you do it. You want respect from your peers. Kawhi’s not just an ordinary peer, again, he’s one of the greats. … That guy took a Defensive Player of the Year award away from me, and to say that about me? Man, that means a lot.”
Green added that Leonard’s quiet nature only makes his adulation that much more meaningful.
“That means a lot because he’s a man of few words, but when he speaks, it’s loud because he doesn’t speak much,” Green elaborated. “I don’t think there’s a player in the NBA that does not respect Kawhi Leonard. He’s a special guy.”
Draymond responds:
“To hear one of the greats say that about me…that’s special. That’s why you do it. You want respect from your peers. That guy took a defensive player of the year award away from me…he’s a man of few words. I don’t think there’s a player in the NBA that… https://t.co/yUgNuifDfY pic.twitter.com/6AQaCbDkKL
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 16, 2026
While Leonard’s season is over, Green and Co. live to fight another day, with another must-win play-in road clash scheduled for Friday against the Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors will look to defy the odds and advance to the playoffs as an eighth seed despite enduring an injury-plagued 37-45 season, with Green’s defense likely to prove vital to their chances.
