The Golden State Warriors have found their rhythm again, regaining their winning form and playing sharp, cohesive basketball. A major reason for their resurgence is Draymond Green — not Stephen Curry or Jimmy Butler — but the versatile forward who continues to prove he’s one of the NBA’s elite defender, besides Evan Mobley.
Throughout the season, there was considerable debate over whether Green should be named NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) ahead of contenders like Evan Mobley and Dyson Daniels. Ultimately, the honor went to Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley.
After the Warriors’ Game 3 victory over the Houston Rockets, Green was asked about falling short of the award and responded by offering praise to Mobley. “Congratulations to Evan Mobley. Incredible young player… It’s always great to see young guys get their due in this league,” Green said.
While Green did not claim the DPOY title, he remains a strong candidate to earn a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team. This season, he has once again proven to be the defensive anchor for Golden State, consistently taking on the toughest assignments every night.
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Green reflects on altercation with Draymond Green
Draymond Green’s postseason campaign for a potential DPOY case hasn’t been without controversy — a familiar theme for the fiery forward. In Game 3 against Houston, Green found himself in the middle of another heated moment, this time with Rockets guard Jalen Green.
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While the Warriors celebrated their win, the confrontation between the two Greens seemed to have a lasting impact. Jalen Green admitted that the altercation disrupted his focus, becoming a turning point in the game for Houston.
“It was just talking. He [Draymond Green] can’t really do much of anything else, so talking is his only way,” Jalen Green said after the loss, not holding back when discussing the Warriors’ emotional leader. The brewing tension now adds extra intrigue to Monday’s pivotal Game 4, as Houston looks to avoid falling further behind in the series.
Draymond Green explains intentional technical foul in game 3
Draymond Green’s influence in Game 3 extended beyond defense. In a crucial moment, Green intentionally picked up a technical foul — a calculated move he later explained to reporters.
“I thought it was time to take one right there, so I did and made sure I got one, and then I kept it pushing… Sometimes stuff like that is needed, and I felt like it was needed right there,” Green said. The veteran’s understanding of momentum and timing once again proved invaluable as Golden State edged closer to advancing to the next round of the NBA playoffs.
