Draymond Green stepped up in Stephen Curry’s absence to lead the Golden State Warriors to a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
After the win, Green made it clear that he has his sights set on another Defensive Player of the Year award — his first since 2017. His head coach, Steve Kerr, backed that up by praising Green’s defensive dominance.
Steve Kerr in Awe of Draymond Green’s Defensive Performance
Green’s declaration after the Warriors’ 104-93 win at Chase Center must have sent a message to the rest of the league. Against Milwaukee, Green put up 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and four blocks.
With Curry sidelined, the four-time NBA champion took control on both ends of the court, and his coach couldn’t help but give him well-earned praise — especially for limiting Giannis Antetokounmpo to just 20 points.
“Draymond … that defense tonight on Giannis was incredible to hold him to five field goals,” Kerr said. “Draymond showed why he’s still one of the great defenders in the world and why he’s so important to winning night after night.”
Kerr on Draymond's defense on Giannis: "To hold him to five field goals, [Draymond] showed why he's still one of the great defenders in the world." pic.twitter.com/296d7JVT5o
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 19, 2025
“I thought it wasn’t just the defense. It was the leadership, it was the energy — such a professional effort by our guys, coming off of last night’s loss, to respond the way they did, to put together a victory against a great team in a game we really needed.”
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Kerr’s words rang true. With their offensive firepower limited due to Curry’s lingering back issues, the Warriors leaned on a different strategy — defensive intensity and collective effort. Behind Green’s leadership, they proved they are far from a one-man show.
Green Faces Tough Road to DPOY Honors
Green has long been one of the league’s most impactful defenders. But securing his second Defensive Player of the Year award won’t be easy.
The four-time First-Team All-Defense selection has averaged 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game this season. However, he faces stiff competition from other elite defenders, including the Atlanta Hawks’ Dyson Daniels, who is averaging 3.0 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr., who has posted 1.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.
Green will have another chance to boost his DPOY case when the Warriors take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday at home. Sitting at No. 6 in the Western Conference, the Warriors are pushing to secure a better playoff seed — and Green’s defense will be key down the stretch.