Draymond Green received his fifth technical foul during his ninth playoff game this season. This incident occurred in the second quarter when he elbowed Naz Reed after Reed fouled him.
Last season, Green faced an indefinite suspension due to his behavior on the court, which had been escalating since the previous playoffs. This included a stomping incident with Domantas Sabonis and altercations with Rudy Gobert and Jusuf Nurkic, which resulted in an extended suspension.
After the game, Green appeared to suggest that there was a narrative being constructed around him as an “angry black man.” He remarked, “I looked like an angry black man. I’m not an angry black man. I’m a very successful and educated black man, I’m good at basketball, and I’m good at what I do.” He continued, expressing frustration with the “agenda” that portrayed him in this light, stating, “It’s crazy. I’m tired of it. It’s ridiculous.”
Reflecting on his past, Green acknowledged feeling “embarrassing” about his conduct during a home game that forced a Game 7 last season.
Head coach Steve Kerr characterized Green’s actions as habitual, stating, “It’s a habit he has when someone fouls him and he’s smart.” Kerr pointed out that this tendency to react, while part of what makes Green competitive, sometimes leads to issues that the team has to manage. “We know that; it’s our job to keep him calm,” Kerr added, emphasizing the significance of competition to Green.
The Golden State Warriors ultimately lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-93, with Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Julius Randle led the game with 24 points and 11 assists, while both Anthony Edwards and Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 20 points each.
In playoff history, the Warriors have recently struggled, marking their lowest first-quarter score since Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
Game 3 of the Wolves and Warriors series is scheduled to return to the Bay Area on Saturday night.
