OAKLAND -- Walking toward the bench with 5:49 remaining and the Warriors up 13 on the New Orleans Pelicans, Draymond Green received a partial standing ovation, and not because it was his turn to hang 40 points on an opponent.
No, this was for the way he led the defense in locking up Pelicans star Anthony Davis. For the sweat Green dropped on the Oracle Arena floor. For the grit that was on full display throughout what became a 131-121 Warriors victory.
“He was the probably the best player on the floor tonight,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.