San Francisco, CA – The game between the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic on Monday featured two very different but impressive defenders. One of them is Warriors star Draymond Green and the other is the Magic center Mo Bamba.
The Warriors overpowered the young Magic, but all wasn't a loss for the young squad. The game was a learning experience, and Bamba left the Bay Area with valuable information in their 126-95 defeat.
This season Bamba set new game-highs in blocks (6), defensive rebounds (15), and steals (3). Bamba started in all of his 24 appearances this year, averaging 10.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 29.3 minutes per game which are all career highs.
After the game, Bamba talked with ClutchPoints about the belief he has in himself defensively and how good of a defender he can be.
“I think I'll be right up there with the best of them. I think I've made some strides this year. I'm confident in my abilities and my attributes,” Bamba told ClutchPoints.
One of the best defenders in the game is Green. His defensive IQ makes up for his lack of size and his great habits on defense make him elite. If a player Bamba's stature masters these two facets, recognition and awards are bound to come.
“Draymond just sniffs out plays before it's started, and he quarterbacks the defense,” Bamba said.
Green won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017 and has made six All-Defensive Teams.
“One thing he does really well is talk on defense. It seems simple, but it's not. It's part of sniffing out the play. He's talking. He's getting guys moving and just making sure that he's the eyes everywhere.”
The 31-year-old Green, who's helped the Warriors to three titles, is looking to add another DPOY trophy to his resume this season. That's something Bamba would love to have during his career, and he understands the work he has to put in to do it.
In his fourth season, the 23-year-old Bamba is having a breakout campaign, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and blocks. He's one of the most feared rim protectors in the NBA. He ranks fourth this season in swats with 2.2 per game, and he's just under one steal per game at 0.9.
While his defensive numbers are impressive, getting the credit he deserves will be difficult because of the lack of success of the Magic. They are 5-20 after losing to the Warriors. But when you work hard for something long enough, good things figure out a way to find you.
As Mo Bamba said, he's making strides, and this is only the beginning for the young center. He's still learning, and taking a thing or two from Draymond Green will do nothing but help him reach his full potential. That's when things might get scary.
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