Steve Kerr Doubles Down on the ‘Best Defensive Player I’ve Ever Seen in My Life’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated May 7, 2025 10:26 AM ET

During Game 4 of their NBA playoffs series against the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr called Draymond Green the "best defender" he has seen in his life. It came after the veteran forward stopped Alperen Sengun from making what would have been a game-winning shot for Houston.

On Tuesday, as the Dubs started their Western Conference semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kerr made it clear that his opinion hasn't changed.

Green played a crucial role as the Warriors survived the injury exit of Steph Curry in the second quarter to beat the Timberwolves, 99-88. Aside from his 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, the 35-year-old anchored the Golden State defense and had plenty of big stops to make life hard for Minnesota.

Minnesota big man Julius Randle was limited to just 4-of-11 shooting, thanks in large part to Green.

At the start of the third quarter, Green also forced an Anthony Edwards miss with his help defense after the Timberwolves star got past his defender and proceeded to attack the basket.

In his postgame presser, Steve Kerr was full of praise for Green, even highlighting how he "just has a way of helping every single teammate by being in the right spot."

"Draymond was doing what Draymond's been doing for 13 years, for whatever how many years he's been in this league," Kerr said. "He's the best defensive player I've ever seen in my life. He was everywhere. He was guarding everyone."

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Without Green, the Warriors may have collapsed and allowed the Timberwolves to make a comeback. Fortunately, Green played his role perfectly while contributing on offense.

It remains to be seen if the former Defensive Player of the Year will be able to replicate his Game 1 success come Game 2, but sure enough, the Warriors will need him to step up amid the uncertainty in Curry's playing status.

Game 2 begins at 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday in Minneapolis and will be televised on TNT.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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