Draymond Green advocates for Defensive Player of the Year

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors made a strong case for another Defensive Player of the Year award after a standout performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. On Tuesday night, he held star player Giannis Antetokounmpo to just 20 points on 5-of-16 shooting, which is Antetokounmpo’s worst shooting game in two years. The game began with Green quickly blocking one of Antetokounmpo's shots, setting the tone for the night. He finished with four blocks and two steals, helping the Warriors secure a 104-93 victory. This win was significant as it came without the team's star player, Stephen Curry, who was resting. Green expressed confidence about his chances for the Defensive Player of the Year title, especially after fellow candidate Victor Wembanyama suffered an injury. He believes his unique impact on defense sets him apart from other players. Green stated, "I don’t see many players completely throwing off an entire team's offense the way I do." Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Green for his defensive work and leadership throughout the game. He mentioned that Green's efforts significantly affected Antetokounmpo's performance and contributed to the Bucks' low score of 93 points for the night. As the season continues, Green is among several contenders for the award, including players like Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He noted that statistics alone do not always reflect a player's impact on the game, emphasizing the importance of watching players in action. Despite not having the most eye-catching stats, he aims to continue proving his value on the defensive end before the season ends.