UPDATE: Tensions flared during last night’s NBA matchup as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green exited the game following a heated exchange with head coach Steve Kerr. The incident occurred during a timeout with 7:38 left in the third quarter, while the Warriors trailed the Orlando Magic 71-66.
Green’s frustration boiled over after committing a turnover and arguing with an official. Kerr called a timeout to regroup his team, prompting the confrontation. “We had it out a little bit,” Kerr stated. “He made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off. That’s all I’m going to say about it. Everything is private.”
After the argument, Green walked down the tunnel, leaving his teammates to rally without him. “Tempers spilled over and I thought it was best that I get out of there,” Green explained. “I don’t think it was a situation where it was going to get better.” He spent the remainder of the third quarter in the locker room, only returning to the bench before the fourth quarter, but did not re-enter the game.
In the absence of Green, the Warriors surged to a commanding victory, finishing the game with a 120-97 score. Stephen Curry led the charge, scoring 26 points and going a perfect 6-for-6 in the third quarter. “We need Draymond,” Kerr remarked. “He’s a champion. We’ve been together for a long time… It’s unfortunate what happened, but it happened.”
This marks Green’s second consecutive game leaving early; he was ejected in a previous match against the Phoenix Suns after just eight minutes. “I had one turnover today,” Green defended himself post-game. “I essentially ran our offense.” His recent struggles, including a combined 13 turnovers in the two previous losses, have raised questions about his performance.
Despite the incident, the Warriors are celebrating a two-game winning streak, improving their record to 15-15. However, the clash between Kerr and Green has overshadowed the team’s success. “The questions are a little bit more negative than they should be,” Curry commented, emphasizing the positive atmosphere in the locker room despite the drama.
As the Warriors gear up for their next challenge, all eyes will be on the relationship between Kerr and Green. Both have a history of fiery exchanges but have consistently moved forward. “Sometimes you’re with people for a long time and there’s a level of comfort and things happen,” Green reflected. “We move forward.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Warriors look to solidify their momentum and resolve internal conflicts.
