#GoldenStateWarriors power forward #DraymondGreen is no stranger to controversy, especially when it involves fighting on the court. If there’s a melee on the court, there’s a chance Draymond might be involved.
Green is known to ride for his, but last night’s game took an unexpected turn when he got into it with his own teammate, #KevinDurant.
The argument, which started on the Warriors’ bench and carried over to their locker room at the #StaplesCenter following their 121-116 loss to the #LosAngelesClippers in overtime, was allegedly about Draymond’s decision-making on the final play of regulation, according to @ESPN. Draymond’s suspension for tonight’s game against Atlanta will cost him $120,480.
The suspension comes at the risk of further impacting the Warriors as Draymond has been a dominant voice during the team’s three championships in four years. Witnesses to the locker-room scene called it one of the most volatile episodes of the Warriors’ dynastic run.
The higher ups were unwilling to dismiss the fight as an ordinary NBA dust-up, and ultimately decided that Draymond’s words, especially toward Durant, rose to the level of significant discipline.
Warrior general manager Bob Myers was set to explain the team’s thinking on the suspension at a pregame briefing tonight in Oakland.
One of the questions already being asked about Draymond’s suspension centered on KD’s looming free agency and how choosing to punish Draymond could escalate tensions between the star players.
Draymond can be a free agent in 2020, but KDt’s sensitivity is well-documented, and it is clear that he was unhappy with how things played out following Monday night’s game. KD reportedly showered quickly following the fight and exited the locker room immediately.
Sources say Draymond was forceful in his defense of himself, which caused the argument to get loud.
The play in question that KD upset was when Green gathered a defensive rebound the final moments of a tie game and dribbled the ball up the court before losing control without taking a shot. KD had been slapping his hands, calling for the ball.
Whew chile! I hope the team is able to keep the peace moving forward.
TSR STAFF: Christina C! @cdelafresh
