Draymond Green vs. Steven Adams was arguably the most entertaining individual matchup of the Western Conference Finals between the Warriors and Thunder.
MORE: Western Conference finals photos | 2016 NBA Finals schedule
Though Adams got the short end of the deal with a kick to the groin and a series loss, he earned some serious props from Green when they met on the floor following Game 7.
"I was looking for him, and he happened to be looking for me at the same time," Green told the “Warriors Plus/Minus” podcast. "But, you know, like I said, I told him 'I love what you do on the floor.' Regardless of if you have instances or run-ins or whatever, at the end of the day, isn't that how the game is supposed to be played? You're supposed to battle. And I think so many times nowadays that's looked upon as a negative. But I respect a guy who battles."
MORE: Hateful thoughts Klay Thompson might have toward future players
Adams said early in the series that Green “reached the peak of annoyingness,” and he himself frustrated Green with his size and quickness on defense. But Green, a Second Team All-NBA selection this season, knew what he was in for.
"He's been that way since he came into the league. He's battled since the time that I've faced him. It's incredible,” Green said. “I respect a guy like that, because there are times that you're scrutinized, there are times where other teams hate you, players on the other teams hate you. And everybody can't deal with that, everybody not liking you. But to stay true to that no matter what and battle for your team, I respect guys like that. And I wanted to make sure he knew that."
MORE: Green isn't suspended for kicking Adams, and that's good
Luckily for NBA fans, Green is 26 and Adams is still just 22, so these two Western Conference big men will match up against one another for years to come.