URGENT UPDATE: A heated exchange between Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr and forward Draymond Green caused significant stir during Monday night’s game against the Orlando Magic, leading to Green’s early exit and overshadowing the Warriors’ 120-97 victory.
The incident unfolded during a timeout in the third quarter with the Warriors trailing 71-66. Following a turnover by Green, tensions escalated as Kerr attempted to rally his team, expressing concerns over their focus. In response, Green left the bench, missing the final 20 minutes of the game.
“We had it out a little bit,” Kerr stated post-game. “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.”
During the heated moment, veteran teammates Moses Moody and assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse tried to defuse the situation. Despite returning to the bench before the fourth quarter, Green remained in his warmups and did not re-enter the game.
Kerr confirmed, “No, he wasn’t going back in. He left. We moved forward, and the guys played great.” This marks the second consecutive game Green has exited prematurely, having been ejected just eight minutes into Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors have faced scrutiny over Green’s performance, as he committed 13 turnovers in their previous two losses. However, Kerr noted that Green’s turnover in this game was his first of the night, and he had played well prior to the incident.
“I don’t think it was a situation where it was going to get better. It was best to remove myself,” Green said, reflecting on his decision to step away.
After Green’s departure, the Warriors surged to a commanding lead, powered by a stellar performance from Stephen Curry, who scored 26 points and hit all six of his shots in the third quarter. The team’s strong finish improved their record to 15-15, marking a positive turnaround.
Despite the victory, the argument between Kerr and Green loomed large. “The questions are a little bit more negative than they should be,” Curry remarked, emphasizing the upbeat atmosphere in the locker room post-game.
Green, who had not yet spoken with Kerr about the incident an hour after the game, made a point to address reporters to quell any rumors. Both players acknowledged that conflicts can arise over their long tenure together.
“We’ve been at this now for a long time,” Green stated. “Sometimes you’re with people for a long time and there’s a level of comfort, and things happen. We move forward.”
As the Warriors look to build on this win, all eyes will be on how the team manages the aftermath of this incident. With the season still unfolding, fans and analysts alike will be watching for the next developments in this ongoing story.
