Draymond Green put on a defensive clinic against Giannis Antetokounmpo, leading the Golden State Warriors to a dominant effort against the Milwaukee Bucks.

His performance wasn’t just impressive it was a masterclass in individual defense.

Late in the third quarter, Giannis brought the ball up the floor, looking to use a Brook Lopez screen in an unusual “4/5” pick-and-roll.

But Green wasn’t having it. He denied Giannis the screen and forced him into isolation.

Despite Green’s ability to contain Giannis one-on-one, Gui Santos felt the need to help off Lopez.

That decision made things easier for Giannis, who found an open man. It was unnecessary, and Green’s previous possessions had already proven he didn’t need the extra help.

Green’s lockdown defense became the story of the night. His ability to take on one of the league’s most dominant scorers without constant double teams was a reminder of his Hall of Fame-level impact.

Brandin Podziemski summed it up after the game, calling Green’s defense on Giannis, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero some of his best work this season.

For Giannis, who averages nearly 20 points in the paint per game, scoring just 10 inside was a testament to Green’s defensive brilliance.

He finished with 20 points but shot just 5-of-16 from the field, well below his usual efficiency.

Green emphasized that overhelping wasn’t necessary. His game plan was simple: let Giannis go for 40 if he has to, but shut down everyone else.

The team struggled with this in the third quarter, but by the fourth, they trusted Green to handle the job himself.

His defensive presence wasn’t limited to one-on-one matchups. In a crucial empty-corner pick-and-roll between Giannis and Damian Lillard, Green held his ground without needing weak-side help.

On another play, he fought through a Kuzma screen and blocked Giannis from behind, proving that even at 35, his instincts and footwork remain elite.

Green may not have the same athleticism he once did, but his mind is as sharp as ever. He still controls games with his defensive IQ, physicality, and relentless energy.

With the recent addition of Jimmy Butler, Green has been even more aggressive, now freed up to focus on slowing down elite scorers at the point of attack.

Against Giannis, he used everything at his disposal length, positioning, and strength to disrupt Milwaukee’s offense.

Five inches shorter than Giannis but with a 7’1” wingspan, Green made sure every shot was contested, every drive was difficult.

This wasn’t just another strong defensive game. It was a reminder that Draymond Green, even after all these years, remains one of the best defenders in basketball.

As such, watch Green and Butler in the possession below:

Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler have quickly become a defensive force, operating with a level of synchronization that few teams can match.

Their chemistry was on full display against Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcasing perfectly timed rotations and defensive awareness.

On one possession, Green stepped up to hedge against a pick-and-roll, momentarily leaving Giannis open. Butler immediately “pinches in to momentarily cover Giannis.” As Green recovered, Butler slid back to his man—”a perfectly executed symphony of defensive synchronization.” The result? Green bottled up another Giannis drive, forcing him to give up the ball. The rest of the Warriors’ defense rotated as one, leading to a crucial stop.

Green has full confidence in Butler’s defensive instincts, recognizing the similarities in how they see the floor. “‘(Butler) is like me,’ Green said. ‘He thinks like me, he sees the floor like me or better… There are certain things he sees better than me.’” That trust has given Green even more freedom to be aggressive, knowing Butler is there as a safety net.

“I may do something that’s unorthodox. I may do something that’s not quite how we schemed it. But it’s something that I saw could work,” Green explained. “Every now and then you take those chances and they don’t work, you could get burned. With Jimmy on the backside, he covers it up. He’ll see me going, he’ll plug that spot.”

Green’s confidence in Butler has translated to confidence in the entire team. Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have posted a 107.6 defensive rating over the last 18 games second-best in the NBA during that span. “That has also resurrected talks of Green potentially becoming a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year an award he admittedly is aiming to win once again.”

With Butler alongside him, Green is playing some of the best defense of his career. And if the Warriors keep this up, Defensive Player of the Year may just be within his reach.

The Philadelphia 76ers made a roster move on Friday night, signing Oshae Brissett to a 10-day contract. Brissett, a former Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers player, now gets another chance to prove himself in the NBA.

The forward was part of the Celtics’ championship-winning team last season, appearing in 55 regular-season games and 10 playoff games.

One of his standout moments came in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers, where he contributed two points, three rebounds, and three steals in just 12 minutes to help Boston secure a win.

After failing to secure an NBA deal for the 2024-25 season, Brissett spent most of the year playing for the Long Island Nets, the G-League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets.

His signing with the 76ers marks a return to the league, and he made an immediate impact in his debut.

Strong Debut in Philadelphia

Brissett had an impressive first game with the Sixers, scoring 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range.

Despite his efforts, the 76ers fell 112-100 to the Pacers. Brissett’s performance showcased his potential to contribute at the NBA level, and he’ll look to build on this opportunity in Philadelphia.

Ties to the Celtics and Support from Jayson Tatum

Brissett’s time with the Celtics left a lasting bond with his former teammates, including star forward Jayson Tatum.

Following Brissett’s debut with the 76ers, Tatum expressed his support for his former teammate. “That’s my brother,” Tatum said. “Happy for him. He definitely deserves to be in the league, so hopefully he finds a home – even if it’s in Philadelphia.”

A Journey Through the NBA

Before his stints with the Celtics and Pacers, Brissett began his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors during the 2019-20 season.

Now, with the 76ers, he has another chance to carve out a role in the league. Brissett’s versatility and energy could make him a valuable asset for Philadelphia as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Brissett’s journey reflects the resilience and determination required to succeed in the NBA.

As he looks to make the most of his 10-day contract, the 76ers and their fans will be watching closely to see if he can secure a more permanent spot on the roster.

The Washington Wizards pulled off a stunning upset against the Denver Nuggets, thanks to a clutch performance from Jordan Poole.

Despite being heavy underdogs, the Wizards fought back from a 16-point deficit to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.

With just four seconds left on the clock and the score tied at 123-123, Poole stepped up and drained a deep three-pointer from the wing to seal a 126-123 victory.

Nikola Jokic’s desperate heave at the buzzer fell short, securing the win for Washington.

Fans were quick to celebrate Poole’s heroics on social media. @hoopsenjoyer515 exclaimed, “Poole Party in the mile-high, get your life jackets, he’s going in from the deep!” Others drew comparisons to Russell Westbrook’s iconic game-winner against the Nuggets in 2016. This time, however, it was Westbrook—now playing for Denver—who had to endure the heartbreak instead of delivering it.

Some fans were left in disbelief by the outcome. @worldofwreck reacted, “What? Jordan Poole for the win in Denver… did I read that right?” Sean Barnard also chimed in, praising Poole’s boldness: “Jordan Poole is a psycho for that being the shot selection, but that is why he is Jordan Poole.”

Poole finished the game with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, along with six assists, a steal, and a block.

While Poole’s game-winner stole the spotlight, rookie Alex Sarr had a breakout performance, exploding for 34 points in his best game as a Wizard.

The Wizards, now 15-51, are far removed from playoff contention. However, strong performances from their young core, like Sarr’s standout night, offer hope for the future.

Washington’s next game is against the Portland Trail Blazers, where they’ll look to build on this thrilling victory. For now, the spotlight remains on Poole, whose audacious shot secured one of the most memorable wins of the Wizards’ season.