Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green played a pivotal role on the defensive end, particularly against Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Slater of ESPN reports that Leonard, who finished with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting and committed five turnovers, did not attempt a shot in the 12 half-court possessions where Green was his primary defender late in the game.
Green’s impact peaked in the closing moments, recording two critical steals in the final minute – one on an inbound pass that led to an and-one opportunity for Brandin Podziemski, and another stripping Leonard clean as the Clippers tried to mount a comeback.
“They had a great game plan,” Leonard said. “Just being physical all game. Making sure I don’t get catch-and-shoot shots. Blasting every pick and roll. … And then, you know, Draymond, Hall of Fame defender. So, yeah, it was hard to even get shots off.”
Green also spoke about his motivation, emphasizing his internal drive to compete and prove himself, as noted by Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
“There will never be a person that I would want to prove more to than myself,” said Green. “The same people that say I lost a step said I never had a step. They’re the same people that said I would never make it and I should be out the NBA and I ride a coattail.
“And the list goes on and on. Those are the same people. So ultimately, when you step on the floor, this is competition. You want to be your best.”
Warriors Notes: Curry, Green, Horford, Porzingis, Kerr, Payton https://t.co/fDNfMBdJCT pic.twitter.com/97UhqW3IMd
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 17, 2026
