Tension Between Draymond Green and Steve Kerr Boils Over, But Warriors Stay Locked In
The Golden State Warriors came away with a convincing 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic at Chase Center, but the victory wasn’t the only thing that had people talking. In a game that should’ve been remembered for sharp execution and a much-needed team performance, Draymond Green once again found himself at the center of a storm-this time, not just with the officials, but with his own head coach.
Late in the third quarter, Green and Steve Kerr were caught in a heated exchange on the sideline. Cameras picked up the moment, and it didn’t take long for the clip to go viral.
The two were visibly frustrated, voices raised, body language tense. Moments later, Green walked off and headed to the locker room, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what exactly went down-and what it might mean for the team moving forward.
Now, let’s be clear: Green and Kerr have a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and shared success. They’ve been through championship battles together, weathered locker room storms, and come out stronger. But even the closest player-coach bonds can hit a rough patch, especially in the middle of a season where every game carries weight and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Despite the sideline drama, the Warriors didn’t let the moment derail them. They stayed locked in and closed out the game with authority. Stephen Curry had his own frustrations with officiating-clashing with referees over a no-call-but the team as a whole showed the kind of focus and cohesion that’s been missing in stretches this season.
But Green’s flare-up wasn’t an isolated incident. Just days earlier, during a December 20 matchup against the Phoenix Suns, he was ejected early in the second quarter after picking up two quick technicals for arguing a foul call. It was another flashpoint in a season where Green’s on-court intensity has once again walked the fine line between passion and volatility.
Former NBA forward Kenyon Martin didn’t hold back in his criticism of Green after the Phoenix game. Speaking candidly, Martin questioned Green’s approach, suggesting that he selectively targets smaller players and doesn’t bring the same energy when matched up against opponents who push back. His comments added fuel to an already simmering conversation around Green’s behavior and its impact on the team.
Still, amid the criticism and controversy, Steve Kerr has stood by his veteran forward. After the Suns game, Kerr publicly defended Green, reinforcing the idea that, despite the occasional blow-up, Green remains an essential piece of the Warriors’ puzzle. His defensive instincts, high-IQ playmaking, and emotional leadership are still cornerstones of what Golden State is trying to build-especially as they fight to stay in the thick of the playoff race.
This isn’t the first time the Warriors have had to navigate internal friction, and it likely won’t be the last. But if there's one thing this team has shown over the years, it's resilience. The question now is whether Green and Kerr can channel this latest dust-up into something productive-or whether the tension lingers as the team pushes toward the postseason.
For now, the Warriors got the win. But the spotlight remains on Draymond Green-not just for what he brings to the court, but for how he manages the moments that threaten to take him off it.