Psycho Steph overshadowed an excellent defensive game for Dray last night.
At the start of Q3, Dray came out and set the tone that really helped the Dubs get back into the game.
Let’s look at some plays…
### **[1- Draymond single-handedly forces a shot-clock violation](https://gfycat.com/shamelessportlyafricanharrierhawk)**
First, he steps in to jam the Sabonis screen on Fox. Then steps up on the screen to defend against human flamethrower Huerter to dissuade the shot/drive.
Traps Huerter before peel switching back to Sabonis. Covers Barnes on the drive before switching back to Sabonis.
Finally, slaps the ball out of Sabonis’ hands when he fumbles the pass from Barnes.
The end result is a horrible Sabonis airball and a shot-clock violation.
###[2 – Dray stares menacingly to force a turnover](https://gfycat.com/needymediumchameleon)
Dunno how else to describe this.
###[3 – Dray does enough to muck up the plays, and then grabs the rebound](https://gfycat.com/closeseparatebilby)
Nothing otherwordly here, but I always find the Dancing Bear’s footwork super interesting – his legs are always moving. First he covers the potential Fox drive with drop defense, then moves back to Sabonis when he sees that Steph survived the flare screen for Huerter, and then finally elicits the pass out from Sabonis – before boxing out for the rebound.
###[4 – Dray forces the Barnes layup miss and then gets the rebound](https://gfycat.com/silentklutzyafricanaugurbuzzard)
Nothing extraordinary here, just good simple defense.
###[5 – Draymond kills multiple post opportunities for Sabonis, gets the rebound, and draws the foul on Sabonis](https://gfycat.com/indeliblebrownafricangoldencat)
Elite stuff from Dray.
Identifies and navigates the screen from Huerter (which is intended to lead to a Huerter three or a good post position for Sabonis). He shuts that down and fronts Sabonis in the post – thus denying the entry pass from Barnes.
The moment Barnes rotates the ball away, Dray switches to classic post defense and prevents Sabonis from sealing him.
Then, some drop defense on Barnes, switches back to Sabonis. Remains strong on Sabonis forcing him to pass out despite the deep position he has.
Finally wins the rebound drawing a foul on Sabonis.
###[6 – Excellent foul by Draymond](https://gfycat.com/windyannualgoosefish)
Draymond loses balance and hence concedes a super deep post position to Sabonis. He fouls on great timing to reset the ball. On the side-out pass, Sabonis concedes the turnover.
###[7 – Offensive play by Dray](https://gfycat.com/pettypettyguanaco)
First sets a weak screen for Klay to go get the ball. Once Klay hands-off to Steph, Dray sets a pick on Steph, releasing him for the drive. Then instantly sets a screen for Klay as well, before rolling hard. He gets the ball at speed and draws the foul.
by the_eureka_effect
