URGENT UPDATE: Tensions flared during last night’s game as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green had a heated exchange with head coach Steve Kerr, leading to Green exiting the game in the third quarter. The incident occurred during a timeout with the Warriors trailing 71-66 against the Orlando Magic on December 18, 2023, just before they secured a convincing 120-97 victory.
As Kerr attempted to rally his team, Green stormed off the bench after a disagreement, missing the final 20 minutes of the game. “We had it out a little bit,” Kerr stated after the game, emphasizing that Green’s decision to leave was for his own benefit. “Everything is private,” he added, keeping the details of their argument under wraps.
Green’s frustration stemmed from a turnover he committed right before Kerr called the timeout. “Tempers spilled over and I thought it was best that I get out of there,” Green said, clarifying his need to step away from the situation. He spent the last 8:31 of the third quarter in the locker room while teammates, including Moses Moody and assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse, checked on him.
Returning to the bench before the fourth quarter, Green remained in his warmups and did not re-enter the game. Kerr confirmed that he would not have put Green back in, citing the need to move forward with the game. “He left. We moved forward and the guys played great,” Kerr remarked.
This incident marks the second consecutive game where Green has left prematurely. He was ejected in the previous match against the Phoenix Suns after just eight minutes on the floor. “We need Draymond,” Kerr acknowledged, highlighting Green’s importance to the team. Despite the turmoil, the Warriors capitalized on Green’s absence, with Stephen Curry leading the team with 26 points, showcasing a stellar performance that helped them secure a two-game winning streak.
The emotional impact of this incident has raised concerns among fans and analysts. Curry addressed the negativity surrounding the situation, stating, “The questions are a little bit more negative than they should be… we’re having a good time because we’re winning.” Green’s recent performance has been scrutinized, particularly after accumulating 13 turnovers in the previous two losses.
Despite the on-court tensions, both Kerr and Green have a history of overcoming disagreements. “We’ve been at this now for a long time,” Green said, reassuring fans that such conflicts are part of a long-term relationship. “Sometimes you’re with people for a long time and there’s a level of comfort… We move forward.”
As the Warriors improve their record to 15-15, all eyes will be on Green’s relationship with Kerr and how the team navigates potential future conflicts. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this will affect the Warriors’ performance moving forward.
