SAN FRANCISCO -- Less than 30 seconds into Tuesday night's game, Draymond Green chased Giannis Antetokounmpo around a screen and blocked the Milwaukee Bucks superstar's shot underneath the basket. This set the tone for an impressive defensive performance that anchored the Golden State Warriors to a 104-93 victory at the Chase Center.
Green's early block was just the beginning; he finished the game with four blocks and two steals, showcasing his defensive prowess by limiting Antetokounmpo to just 20 points on a dismal 5-for-16 shooting. The Warriors’ win marked a significant bounce-back after suffering a tough home loss to the Denver Nuggets the day before, a game in which they had been without their star point guard, Stephen Curry, who was given a rest day.
According to ESPN Research, this shooting performance by Antetokounmpo turned out to be his worst in the last two seasons, and the Bucks' total of 93 points represented a season low. Green's intense defense contributed heavily to this statistic, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised him, saying, "Draymond, that defense tonight on Giannis was incredible. To hold him to five field goals, Draymond showed why he is still one of the great defenders in the world." In addition to his efforts against Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler also provided critical support for Golden State, contributing 24 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Green expressed his thoughts on his performance and the potential for receiving another NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, stating, "Obviously, if we keep winning and close this year out strong, most definitely... I look around the league and don't see many players impacting the game on the defensive end the way I do. I don't see many players completely throwing off an entire team's offense the way I do. One-thousand-percent." With Victor Wembanyama out for the season, Green has become a prime candidate in the conversation for the award, alongside other strong defenders like Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ivica Zubac, Luguentz Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams.
As the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert remains a benchmark in the discussion. Green is aware that perception sometimes does not align with his impact on the court, admitting, "You got some people that have a vote on the East Coast that probably see us play four times a year... This award is widely based off statistics, and those statistics don't always tell the story ... But I want another one, and I ain't retired yet. I still got a chance." His confidence reflects not just his competitive spirit but also an acute awareness of how games can be overshadowed by statistical narratives.
Green's outstanding contributions on Tuesday night demonstrated his leadership, athleticism, and defensive intelligence. He has racked up nine blocks in his last two games, proving to be an essential asset as the Warriors push to solidify their playoff position in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.
As the regular season winds down, the stakes are high. With critical games remaining, both the Warriors and Green will be looking to finish strong. Each win counts as they strive for a favorable playoff seed, and with Green's defensive domination, he aims to prove he still deserves to be recognized as one of the elite defenders in the league.
In this context, Green's efforts against a top scorer like Antetokounmpo not only aid his team but also support his claim for another career-defining accolade. The remaining games of the season will be a testament to his enduring talent and determination, leaving fans and analysts to watch closely as he builds his case throughout the final stretch of the 2025 NBA season.
