Draymond Green pushed back against being perceived as an “angry black man” after the Warriors’ 117-93 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 2.
During the match, Green received his fifth technical foul of the postseason. He also faced a racial slur from the crowd, which stirred the fans, according to Warriors Security, as reported by ESPN.
“I appeared as an angry black man, but that’s not me,” Green stated. “I’m a successful, educated black man, with a wonderful family. I’m skilled at basketball and excel in my profession.”
“The effort to constantly depict me in that manner is absurd. I’m exhausted by it,” he continued.
Green spoke briefly after the game, but didn’t elaborate on why he feels targeted. It was noticeable when he received a technical foul with 8:46 left in the second quarter.
The controversial star was involved in a foul against Minnesota’s Naz Reid during the game, hitting him in the head with his left elbow.
Afterward, Green reacted emotionally, yelling at the referee, and was calmed down by teammate Steph Curry.
The veteran forward is now just two technical fouls or one flagrant foul away from a possible suspension.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr decided to pull Green from the game after the technical foul to prevent further escalation of his frustration.
“He was clearly upset, and I didn’t want him to get another foul, so I took him out,” Kerr explained. “He needs to be mindful moving forward because we definitely need him.”
Kerr, however, showed no discontent with Green’s passionate demeanor.
“That’s who Draymond is,” Kerr said. “His competitive nature is what makes him a winner, even if it sometimes leads to trouble. It’s important for us to help him stay composed.”
Warriors star Jimmy Butler remained unconcerned about Green’s risk of suspension in the ongoing series.
“I believe he is aware of the stakes,” Butler mentioned. “There’s always scrutiny with him, but we know he can handle it.”
During the game, Green dealt with fans reportedly making offensive remarks in the fourth quarter, as highlighted by ESPN.
A video made the rounds showing Green on a stationary bike, repeatedly shouting the word “soft” while seemingly directing it at an unseen fan.
This isn’t the first time Green has drawn attention for his behavior. He received a technical foul against the Rockets earlier this month after getting into a heated exchange with Fred VanVleet.
Throughout more than 12 seasons in the NBA, Green has faced suspension six times and has accrued significant fines totaling $942,000.
As the series continues, Game 3 will take place in California on Saturday, with the teams tied at 1-1.
