Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that making an effort to control veteran Draymond Green when he’s angry is pointless.
Steve Kerr on if there’s a way to stop a Draymond heated moment: “There’s no stopping Draymond, you can’t put your arm around him and say, ‘ok, calm down.’ It’s ok, we accept Draymond for who he is and what he stands for because, frankly, it makes us win.”
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Kerr’s remarks came in the wake of Green’s latest suspension. That one-game penalty was the result of his conflict on Monday night with Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis.
The incident took place during the fourth quarter, with Sabonis’ grab of Green’s ankle leading to Green then stomping on Sabonis’ chest. Immediately after the scuffle took place, Sabonis was assessed a technical foul and Green was ejected from the contest.
Draymond Green ejected after stomping on Domantas Sabonis’ chest pic.twitter.com/kukzFRLq7s
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After the game, Green asked for an X-ray of his right ankle, stating that he was experiencing soreness that developed after Sabonis grabbed his ankle.
Kerr’s reaction presumably stems from the fact that he’s coached the Warriors superstar for most of Green’s career.
During their time together, Green has developed into a future Hall of Famer. By combining outstanding playmaking ability and defense, Green has played a central role in four NBA title runs and two other trips to the finals.
However, Green’s volatile personality has also resulted in fines and suspensions, along with earning a reputation of someone with a hair-trigger temper.
That inability to control himself was most costly for Green during the 2016 postseason. After being the recipient of multiple flagrant foul calls during previous playoff contests, Green became embroiled in a controversial incident with LeBron James during Game 4 of the finals.
Green fell to the ground following a scuffle with James, who was then playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While James was stepping over him, Green proceeded to punch James in the groin.
Three days later, Green was suspended for Game 5 of a series that the Warriors were leading 3-to-1. Without him in the lineup, the Warriors missed the opportunity to clinch the franchise’s second straight championship and then lost the final two games of the series.
While the stakes aren’t quite as high now, the Warriors still figure to sorely miss Green’s presence on the court. Entering Thursday’s Game 3 matchup against the Kings, the Warriors badly need a win after dropping the first two games of the best-of-seven series.
The Warriors and the team’s fan base are undoubtedly hoping that deja vu doesn’t take place for the important clash. Kerr is aware of the challenges but knows that Green’s past contributions have earned his loyalty.
