While the offense went through Butler, Draymond Green shouldered Golden State's defense in vintage fashion. Green was everywhere defensively, recording four blocks and two steals and finishing tied with Butler for a game-high +14.

With Wembanyama out of the picture, the award is within Green’s grasp. He has the second-best odds in Vegas, behind only Cleveland big Evan Mobley. He’s the anchor of the second rated defense in the league since the All-Star break and ranks 10th in the league in stocks (steals plus blocks) per game.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is stating his case for Defensive Player of the Year. The 34-year-old has finished in the top 10 of voting for the award four times in the last seven years,