Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green left the court during a Monday night game after a heated argument with coach Steve Kerr, overshadowing the team’s 120-97 victory over the Orlando Magic. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Warriors as they navigate a challenging NBA season.
During an early third-quarter timeout with the Warriors trailing 71-66, Green and Kerr engaged in a sharp exchange in the huddle, prompting Green to walk to the locker room. Kerr had called the timeout after Green committed a turnover and was distracted by discussions with an official, expressing frustration over the team’s lack of focus. Assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse and wing Moses Moody attempted to intervene, but Green chose to remove himself, citing that tempers had spilled over and it was best to leave.
Green spent the final 8:31 of the third quarter in the locker room, missing the last 20 minutes of play entirely. Veteran teammates Jimmy Butler III, Al Horford, and Buddy Hield, along with front office staff, checked on him, indicating concern within the organization. He returned to the bench before the fourth quarter but remained in warmups and did not re-enter the game, as Kerr stated he would not have put Green back in after his departure.
This marked the second consecutive game where Green exited prematurely, following an ejection after just eight minutes in Saturday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. Kerr acknowledged Green’s importance as a champion and long-time collaborator but emphasized that the team moved forward without him. The pattern has drawn attention to Green’s emotional volatility and its potential impact on team dynamics during a critical part of the season.
After Green left, the Warriors rallied behind Stephen Curry, who made all six of his shots in the third quarter to finish with 26 points, while Butler added 21. The surge propelled Golden State to a commanding lead, which they extended in the fourth quarter to secure a 23-point win. The victory lifted the Warriors to a .500 record at 15-15, providing a positive note amid the sideline drama.
Both Kerr and Green downplayed the incident post-game, with Green describing it as a moment where emotions ran high and stating he removed himself to prevent escalation. Kerr reiterated that everything was private and expressed no frustration, noting Green had played well in the first half with only one turnover. An hour after the game, Green said he had not yet spoken with Kerr but aimed to diffuse the situation publicly.
The two have a history of arguments over their 12 seasons together, and both indicated this would not have lingering effects. Green remarked, ‘Sometimes you’re with people for a long time and there’s a level of comfort and s— happens. We move forward.’ This perspective suggests the incident is viewed as a minor bump in their long-standing relationship rather than a major rift.
Despite the argument, the Warriors’ focus remains on building momentum, with Curry noting the team was enjoying their win streak. The event raises questions about internal chemistry but is unlikely to derail their progress if managed effectively. As the season continues, how Green and Kerr navigate such conflicts will be crucial for the Warriors’ playoff aspirations in the competitive Western Conference.
