Draymond Green has been a defensive specialist since the start of his career. The Golden State Warriors‘ big man has been recognized for the work he’s put in on that side of the floor when he won the Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. Additionally, Green has been named part of the NBA All-Defensive team eight times for being the franchise’s defensive anchor.
The four-time champion had a shot at winning the DPOY award in the 2024-25 season. He was among the finalists with Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks. However, he didn’t get enough votes, and the award was given to Mobley. It’s the first time the former USC Trojans star has received the prestigious defensive award.
On Saturday, the Warriors had a 104-93 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 3. Green had seven points, eight rebounds and four assists. Defensively, the 6-foot-6 forward had two steals and three blocks.
After the contest, he was asked about winning the 2025 Hustle award instead of the DPOY trophy.
“I think to win anything in this league is special,” Green said. “Anytime you can be recognized in this league is great.
“Congratulations to Evan Mobley. Incredible young player.”
Draymond showing Mobley love for winning DPOY 💯 pic.twitter.com/7kbP2RtSxr
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 27, 2025
Green followed it up by congratulating the All-Star big man who recently signed a five-year, $224 million contract extension with the Cavs.
“Congratulations to Evan Mobley. Incredible young player. The growth he’s had over his career, to see him — that’s what we all believe he’d become out of USC.
“It’s always great to see young guys get their due in this league,” the Golden State Warriors star said. “Would’ve been nice to win but anytime you’re in the run to be recognized in this league is always great.”
The Golden State Warriors’ big man talked trash to Jalen Green after the win
Aside from his elite defense, Green is known for not holding back his taunts, antics and trash talk. After the win, he taunted Houston’s Jalen Green. He mocked Green by telling him to paint his nails, which the Rockets’ guard is fond of doing.
The youngster was heated and had to be restrained by Houston’s coaching staff and teammates. During his postgame presser, the guard was asked what happened between him and the four-time All-Star. Green wasn’t intimidated in front of the media and said all the big man can do is talk.
“Just talking. He can’t really do much of anything else, so talking is his only way,” Green said about his interaction with the Warriors’s star.
"Just talking. He can't really do much of anything else, so talking is his only way"😳
– Jalen Green on Draymond Green
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 27, 2025
The Rockets’ guard struggled to impact the game and finished with nine points, six rebounds and five assists. Green shot 36.4 percent from the floor and only had one made 3-pointer out of his five attempts.
Green and the Rockets will remain in San Francisco for Game 4 at Chase Center on Sunday.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
