Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green expressed his frustration Thursday night after receiving his fifth technical foul of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, suggesting there’s a deeper narrative at play targeting his character.
During Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves—a 117-93 loss for the Warriors—Green was assessed a technical for elbowing Naz Reid in the second quarter. Following the call, he erupted at officials, shouting and swearing, though he wasn’t given a second technical. Teammates, including an injured Steph Curry, quickly intervened to calm him down.
Green: “I’m Not an Angry Black Man”
Speaking to reporters after the game, Green delivered a passionate response to what he feels is an ongoing media and league portrayal of him as volatile and dangerous.
“I’m not an angry Black man,” he said in a video shared by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “I’m a very successful, educated Black man. I’m great at what I do. … The agenda to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.”
Green’s comments reflect growing frustration over how his intensity on the court is perceived, particularly as he faces the possibility of suspension. With five technicals and two flagrant fouls this postseason, Green is two technicals or two flagrant points away from a one-game suspension.
Warriors Need Green More Than Ever
With Steph Curry sidelined at least a week due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Green’s role is now even more vital. In Game 2, he posted nine points, five assists, and four rebounds, though he struggled shooting—making just three of his ten attempts.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Green’s emotional nature during his postgame presser, emphasizing the importance of channeling that passion constructively.
“He’s going to have to stay composed, obviously we need him, and I’m confident that he will because he knows the circumstances,” Kerr said.
“It’s part of Draymond—the same thing that makes him such a competitor and a winner can put him over the top sometimes. We know that. It’s our job to help him stay poised and composed.”
Controversies Still Linger
Green’s reputation has been shaped by several high-profile incidents over the years: the punch on former teammate Jordan Poole, the mid-game chokehold on Rudy Gobert, and a history of run-ins with officials and opponents—like his infamous groin kick targeting OKC’s Steven Adams.
Though undeniably one of the league’s most competitive and passionate players, Green continues to wrestle with a reputation that, in his words, doesn’t reflect the full picture of who he is.