Warriors superstar Steph Curry admits that Draymond Green and him have fallen in love with the challenge of getting back to playing winning basketball after Golden State’s upset win over the Jazz on Sunday.
Draymond Green after practice Friday let it be known that he wants to make a push for NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
He then took the court Sunday afternoon and showed why he absolutely belongs in the conversation.
The 2016-17 DPOY was fantastic vs. the Utah Jazz, racking up 11 defensive rebounds and four steals.
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"I don't think there's anyone better than me defensively," Draymond told the media after the Warriors' win. "That's always been the way I've felt. That's not gonna change now."
But the three-time NBA champion knows the Warriors need to climb the standings in order for him to have a serious chance of capturing the hardware for the second time in his career.
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So if Golden State starts racking up a bunch of wins?
"I think there's no question that I'll be Defensive Player of the Year," Draymond said. "There's a responsibility for us to win. And if we do ... there's no defender better than me.
"So there you have it."
Draymond is holding opponents to 47.9 percent shooting at the rim this season, which is off-the-charts incredible.
He is the main reason the Warriors boast the third-best defensive field goal percentage in the NBA.
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And his instincts remain in a class of their own.
Ben Simmons probably will win the award when it's all said and done, as the Philadelphia 76ers are in first place in the Eastern Conference.
But don't sleep on Draymond making a legitimate run at the honor.