The Golden State Warriors have been hands down the best team in the league so far in the 2021-22 NBA season. Following their fixture against the Toronto Raptors, the Warriors are now 15-2. They not only have the best record in the Western Conference but in the entire league.
The credit goes to every player on the team for playing with a chip on their shoulders and proving that the Warriors dynasty is not over yet. But the recipe for success for any good team starts with a great defense.
As per stats, the Warriors currently have the best defense in the league with a defensive rating of 100. It goes without saying that Draymond Green is the cornerstone of the Dubs’ defense. The former DPOY winner is having one of the best years of his career.
Green is one of the frontrunners to bag this season’s DPOY year award as well, given he continues to perform at this level. Green’s efforts aren’t under head coach Steve Kerr’s radar as he had nothing but praise for the 31-year-old in the post-game interview following their recent victory over the Raptors.
“We are a two-way team. Everything starts with the defense, and that has been established. I think Draymond Green is the best defender in the world. He has had just an unbelievable start to the season. He is so motivated, so engaged, every single night. I was a little worried about him today, given that Michigan State was down 49 nothing in the middle of the second quarter.”
Steve Kerr calls Draymond "the best defender in the world." pic.twitter.com/xwSgwSLqfC
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 22, 2021
Kerr might have made a huge statement about Green being the best defender in the league. But not many would argue against Kerr’s claims. In the game against the Raptors, Green pulled down 14 rebounds and was a thorn in the Raptors’ path throughout the matchup.
As for his season stats, Green is currently averaging 7.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. All while shooting 55.6% from the floor.
If he can continue putting up these numbers for the Warriors, the Dubs might be on their way to winning another NBA Championship. Moreover, with Klay Thompson coming back to the team on Christmas week, things are only going to get better for them.
