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Five takeaways from the Warriors’ perfect road trip

By Carlos Murillo

Nov 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) celebrates a three point basket in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State beat Indiana 120-83. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) celebrates a three point basket in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State beat Indiana 120-83. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Glenn Robinson III (40) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State beat Indiana 120-83. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Glenn Robinson III (40) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State beat Indiana 120-83. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Draymond Green is gunning for Defensive Player of the Year

Draymond Green’s resumé this early into his career is amazing. He’s been named to an All-Star team, an All-NBA team, and two All-Defense teams. He’s a central figure to two of the greatest teams ever and an NBA champion. But there’s one piece of hardware that he really wants.

Green wants the Defensive Player of the Year award. He’s finished as a runner-up over the last two seasons, losing out to the incredible Kawhi Leonard both times. Green probably deserved one of those.

He wants the award this year and he’s not hiding his desires. He told CSN Bay Area “I’m not a selfish guy when it comes to awards or stats … this is one thing I’m very selfish about. I want to win that Defensive Player of the Year Award bad.” Looks clear to me what he wants.

The Warriors have an incredible offense, but they also need their defense to follow suit if they want to win another NBA championship. It’s improved over their winning streak and Green, as their anchor, has a lot to do with it. He’s been controlling the game.

In Milwaukee, with the game on the line, the Bucks tried to run a play in which Green’s man was supposed to get the ball. The Warriors’ star had other plans and knocked the ball away and saved the game. It was a huge play at a crucial moment.

Green hears the talk surrounding Golden State’s defense and is taking it personally. He’s up for the challenge and he’s starting a campaign worthy of his first DPOY award.

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