The Golden State Warriors are navigating a competitive 2024-2025 NBA season, currently holding a 43-31 record, placing them No. 6 in the Western Conference and second in the Pacific Division.
With the postseason approaching, the Warriors are focused on securing a favorable playoff position.
In their most recent game, the Warriors delivered a dominant performance, defeating the San Antonio Spurs with a final score of 148-106.
This victory helped the team get back on track after they had some bumpy losses against the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat, although they had beaten the New Orleans Pelicans before the San Antonio game. This win against the Spurs puts things in perspective.
One positive the team has had of late is the outstanding form of Draymond Green. The backbone of the team's defense has been on point, and people are noticing.
Derrick White opens up about Green's influence
Off the court, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White recently credited Warriors forward Green for significantly influencing his career trajectory.
Reflecting on the 2022 NBA Finals, White recounted how Green's defensive strategy exposed weaknesses in his game.
"How I was being guarded on that stage. I mean it was like one of the lowest points. I told Draymond after the Olympics that he kind of changed my life because they weren't guarding me," White said.
"I had to go back to my trainer that summer and try to get better and better."
Derrick White told Draymond Green he changed his life after how he guarded him in NBA Finals:
"How I was being guarded on that stage. I mean it was like one of the lowest points. I told Draymond after the Olympics that he kind of changed my life because they weren't guarding… pic.twitter.com/ifRJU1Q13q
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 1, 2025
Green has openly expressed his ambition to secure the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, aiming to add another accolade to his decorated career.
Green is averaging 9.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season while also contributing 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks on the defensive end.
He's shooting 43.0% from the field, 32.1% from three, and 68.7% from the free-throw line over 60 games.
Notably, he held Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo scoreless on 0-for-7 shooting in a recent matchup.
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 1:05 PM.