Draymond Green gave De'Aaron Fox advice about being the Kings' leader

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The Kings have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season, and they have admirers all around the league.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke highly of Sacramento on Wednesday, a day before the two Northern California teams face off at Oracle Arena in their first games back from the All-Star break.

"I love watching them play," Kerr said of the Kings following Warriors practice Wednesday. "I think Dave (Joerger) has done a fantastic job with the team. They're exciting, they're young, they're fun, they're full of energy, and they're tough to beat. So, great story. Great for Northern California, great for Sacramento."

As it turns out, Kerr isn't the only member of the Warriors that has noticed what's going on in Sacramento this season, particularly De'Aaron Fox's continued evolution into one of the most promising young guards in today's game.

Fox recently sat down for an interview with Marc Spears of The Undefeated, and when asked if he's gotten any noteworthy respect from veteran stars following games this season, he described a positive interaction with Warriors' emotional leader Draymond Green.

"I’ve gotten it from Draymond (Green), KD (Kevin Durant) and couple guys," Fox said. "Dray was just telling me things about just being a leader. We had three close games with [the Warriors this season]. One of those games came down to possessions. Before the end of the game, we took a fast shot, and it’s something I was down on myself about. 

"[Green] was letting me know that if someone takes a fast shot, it has to be me. Either get the ball or get them a better shot or just try to control the game from a point guard position."

Green is perennially one of the top defensive players in the Association, so if he's identified Fox as giving the Kings' the best chance on a last possession, that's saying something. Of course, Fox has developed a track record of clutch play in his short time in the league.

Last season, he had four shots that either won a game for the Kings, or sent it into overtime. This season, the Kings have four game-winners, and Fox has either scored or initiated the play in half of them.

Thursday's game at Oracle represents the fourth and final matchup between the Warriors and Kings this season -- in the regular season, at least. Each of their previous three encounters have been decided by one, five and four points, respectively.

[RELATED: True Warriors fans can identify with Kings' current rise]

If Thursday's game comes down to the final possession, and the Kings have the ball, chances are Fox will be heavily involved.

The only problem?

Green knows it, too.

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