Kawhi Leonard praises Draymond Green after defensive masterclass

The Golden State Warriors pulled off the upset Wednesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers on the road to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Stephen Curry led the way with 35 points after scoring just eight in the first half. Al Horford also came up clutch, knocking down four three-pointers in the final frame.

That said, it was the defense of Draymond Green that stifled Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers down the stretch.

According to ESPN Insights, Green allowed Leonard to score nine points on eight shots in 51 half-court matchups.

Although Leonard scored 21 points on 8-for-17 shooting, he committed five turnovers and was forced into difficult shots throughout the game.

Following the defeat, Leonard spoke to the media, giving props to Green and his defense. "Draymond Green, Hall of Fame defender," Leonard said. "It was hard to even get shots up."

Leonard certainly knows a thing or two about defense in his own right, having won two Defensive Player of the Year awards and earning seven All-Defensive selections.

Green, on the other hand, has one Defensive Player of the Year award to his name and nine All-Defensive selections.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Kawhi Leonard praises Draymond Green after defensive masterclass