The Golden State Warriors have regained their most important strength: defensive stability. Head coach Steve Kerr found the missing piece in Jimmy Butler. His arrival changed the team’s energy on both ends of the floor. Since he joined the roster, Draymond Green has returned to elite form. He looks like one of the best defenders in the league again. Considering the latter, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy praised Green amid the Defensive Player of the Year award debate.
“I think it’s incredible for him at this age to do what he’s able to do and affect our team and our defense so much. When he’s on the court, we’re an elite team. Since the trade deadline, we’ve been the No. 1 defensive team in the league. He’s really picked it up this latter part of the year. From my standpoint, watching the game and playing it and being around it for a long time, there’s not a guy that I think is a better defender than Draymond to have out on the court when you need to get a stop,” stated Draymond Green to Sportskeeda.
Draymond Green has fueled the Warriors’ defensive resurgence. His elite play has brought much-needed stability to the team. Even against the Memphis Grizzlies, his impact stood out. Thanks to Green’s presence, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler found space to shine. They scored 37 and 38 points, respectively.
As the NBA playoffs continue, Draymond Green’s case for Defensive Player of the Year grows stronger. He delivers consistent performances night after night. With each game, his role becomes even more important for the Warriors. His defense sets the tone and helps Golden State stay competitive. The deeper they go, the more vital his presence becomes. He is emerging as a key factor in their title push.
Draymond Green #23 and Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors speak during a game against the Houston Rockets on February 13, 2025.
However, the DPOY race is far from over. Evan Mobley continues to make his case with the Cavaliers. The young star remains one of the top contenders for the award. His defensive impact has been just as impressive throughout the postseason. As both players push forward, the battle for Defensive Player of the Year stays tight and worth watching.
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Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy opens up on Jimmy Butler’s impact on play-in tournament
When the Warriors clinched their play-in spot, few believed they would go far. Many argued they needed another scorer to help Stephen Curry and create a more balanced offense. That is when Jimmy Butler stepped in. He dropped 38 points and became the most dominant player on the court against Memphis Grizzlies. Considering this, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy shared his thoughts on Butler and his nickname ‘Playoff Jimmy.’
“Well, we’ve all seen it. We certainly got a taste of it with this Play-in game thus far. He’s a guy that when the lights are brighter, he steps up. Houston is going to present a really big challenge. They’re a terrific defensive team. They have a lot of guys that can guard. So it’s not going to be easy. But we believe in the guys we have,” affirmed Dunleavy to Sportskeeda.
The Warriors are serious contenders for the NBA Championship. That is because they have players like Draymond Green, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler with wide playoff experience gives the team an edge in high-stakes games. Together, they form a core that knows how to win when it matters most.
However, the Houston Rockets will not be easy to beat as their defense will be a difficult task. If Warriors can overcome this challenge, it will boost their status even more. At that point, they could be seen as true favorites for the title.
SurveyBesides Stephen Curry, which Golden State Warriors player has the biggest impact on their playoff success?
Besides Stephen Curry, which Golden State Warriors player has the biggest impact on their playoff success?
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