Thunder Star Gilgeous-Alexander Relishes Beating Draymond Green

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a clutch three-pointer over the Warriors' defensive stalwart.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a crucial three-pointer over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, one of the league's top defenders. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the significance of outperforming a player of Green's caliber, who has multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and championships as the anchor of the Warriors' defense.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to hit a difficult shot over an elite defender like Green showcases his offensive prowess and highlights his status as one of the NBA's premier scorers. Beating a player of Green's defensive pedigree is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates Gilgeous-Alexander's growth as a player.

The details

In the Saturday night game between the Thunder and Warriors, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a step-back three-pointer over Green in a crucial moment. The Thunder guard was able to lull Green to sleep with his dribble moves before knocking down the shot, outclassing the Warriors' defensive anchor.

  • The game between the Thunder and Warriors took place on Saturday night.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the reigning NBA MVP.

Draymond Green

The veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors, known for his elite defensive abilities and multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards.

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What they’re saying

“Multiple DPOYs. Multiple Defensive Teams. Multiple championships. He's been the anchor to their championship defense for a decade. You don't get many better looks than that as an offensive player. It was great. It was fun.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Sporting News)

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to hit a clutch shot over one of the league's best defenders, Draymond Green, showcases his growth as an elite scorer and his willingness to take on the toughest challenges. This performance highlights Gilgeous-Alexander's status as one of the NBA's premier talents.