Just a few months ago, the regular season had only begun. Now, in what feels like a blink, it all wraps up on Sunday. Every team will take the floor one last time, including the Warriors and Clippers. The past three matchups? Golden State didn’t stand a chance. Outplayed. Out of sync. But this time it feels different. After all, the Warriors have transformed now. There’s new energy and new rhythm. Still, the Clippers have more than enough reasons to keep Draymond Green puzzled.
Before the game, Draymond sat down with his co-host, Baron Davis, on The Draymond Green Show with the former NBA star to discuss the Clippers. What surprised the duo most was how effortlessly Kawhi Leonard bounced back from his knee injury. It doesn’t even look like he went through that dark phase at all.
“The biggest addition is getting Kawhi Leonard back,” Draymond said. “He almost look better than before he got hurt… he’s bouncing.” Draymond was clearly amazed by Kawhi’s incredible recovery, saying the 33-year-old actually looks better than ever. “This dude is bionic, man, or something,” he added. “Like he just come back. Hey bro, you just came off of ACL surgery. This man just like, yo, what is this, man? I don’t understand it.” Dray even animatedly mimicked the energy Kawhi brings on the court.
“Every time he come back from injury, it looked like Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard in Toronto Raptors,” Draymond Green claimed. Kawhi won a championship title with both teams during his time there. “So that’s the biggest addition of all, of like—obviously getting him back is huge.”
Klaw was out for a big chunk of the season with right knee inflammation. But since making his return in early January, he’s been on a roll, averaging 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. And he’s definitely making his presence felt. So, it’s not strange at all for Draymond Green to react that way.
Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Despite the Clippers having the edge in the series and in the Western Conference standings, Draymond proudly said that the Warriors have found their identity and are ready to go. He even believes today’s matchup could very well play a big role in deciding the Western Conference Finals. And it’s not just Draymond with high expectations. Ivica Zubac is also fired up for this game and had some strong words about the Warriors vet.
Ivica Zubac shares truth about Draymond Green
Jimmy Butler’s arrival has really shifted the Warriors’ dynamics. They are playing with a lot more drive now. And Draymond Green? He’s been incredible on defense and has taken on more time at the five, really controlling the game from the center. So, ahead of the game, Zubac was asked how this change affects things on the court.
“It’s different, man. He’s initiating a lot of their offense, he’s in a lot of handoffs, he’s got to be up because stuff is coming off,” Zubac explained. He also highlighted how Draymond is involved in handoffs, uses his physicality and is aggressive defensively.
“He’s really good with the keeps and the handoffs. A lot of guys try to overplay him to kind of blitz stuff, and he’s really good with keeping that. So it’s different with him,” the Clippers star added. “He can pass, and it’s going to be different. Defensively, he’s really good, he’s aggressive, he gets into you, into your body, he’s physical. So it’s a way different look than the other guys.”
Draymond being at the top of the DPOY race really shows the kind of season he’s having. There’s no doubt he’s the Warriors’ defensive mastermind, though his past antics sometimes kept him from focusing on the bigger goal. But this year, he’s clearly determined and hasn’t shied away when it comes to expressing his desire for the DPOY title. Now, it’ll be interesting to see how the Clippers plan to handle him in today. So, tune in at 3:30 PM ET to catch all the live action from the Chase Center.
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