Draymond’s Meltdown, Miami’s Slide, and Mitchell Robinson’s Free Throw Fix: What’s Really Going On?
It’s the holiday season, but there’s not a lot of cheer in a few NBA locker rooms right now. While the league gears up for its annual Christmas Day showcase, some teams are dealing with internal fireworks that have nothing to do with the holiday spirit. Let’s break down three storylines that are heating up as we approach the midway point of the season: Draymond Green’s latest outburst, the Miami Heat’s cold streak, and a surprising development from Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson.
Draymond Green’s Latest Incident: Another Boiling Point in Golden State
Draymond Green’s intensity is part of what’s made him a four-time NBA champion. But when that fire flares in the wrong direction, it can burn more than just the opponent.
Monday night, during the third quarter of the Warriors’ win over Orlando, Green and head coach Steve Kerr had a heated exchange during a timeout. The moment ended with Green walking away from the huddle and heading to the locker room.
According to Kerr, that exit was Green’s decision. When he returned, Kerr opted to keep him on the bench.
That’s not nothing.
This wasn’t just another emotional outburst. This was a player leaving his team in the middle of a competitive game-one the Warriors were trailing by five at the time.
Coming just two days after Green was ejected eight minutes into a game against Phoenix, the optics here are rough. For a team fighting to stay above .500 and clinging to a play-in spot, this is the kind of distraction that can derail momentum.
The Warriors tried to smooth things over postgame. Rookie Brandin Podziemski praised Green’s communication from the bench in the fourth quarter.
Kerr said Green “played great.” And Green himself tried to brush it off: “We play basketball.
It’s an emotional game. S--- happens.
We move forward.”
But how far forward can they move when this keeps happening?
Golden State’s locker room has weathered a lot from Green over the years. His resume buys him some grace-four rings, Defensive Player of the Year, the heart and soul of a dynasty.
But even that equity has limits. The Warriors are not in a position to give away games or chemistry.
If this season is going to turn around, they need Green locked in, not walking off.
Miami’s Offense Is Icy Cold-and the Trade Deadline’s Looming
The Heat started hot. Now? They’ve dropped seven of their last eight, and the numbers are starting to paint a troubling picture.
During this slump, Miami ranks 28th in offensive efficiency and 17th on defense. That’s not the profile of a team that just made the NBA Finals two seasons ago. And around the league, rival executives are starting to wonder: Will the Heat become sellers at the trade deadline?
Miami has some interesting pieces. Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell are both wings who could help contenders-and both are on expiring deals. Then there’s Terry Rozier, whose $26.6 million contract could be a trade chip, assuming the league clears the Heat to move it while Rozier remains under federal indictment.
But one name that’s not on the block? Kel’el Ware.
Ware, now in his second season, is emerging as a legitimate building block. He’s averaging 12.5 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field.
But what’s really turning heads is the three-point shooting. After hitting just 31.5% from deep last season, Ware is now connecting on 48% of his threes.
The volume isn’t huge-2.6 attempts per game-but the form looks clean, and the confidence is growing. Over his last two games, Ware is 11-of-14 from beyond the arc.
That kind of stretch big is rare-and valuable. The Heat made it clear last offseason that Ware was off-limits, and there’s no indication that stance has changed. For a team that’s struggled to find offensive rhythm, Ware’s growth is one of the few bright spots.
Still, with the deadline approaching and Miami sliding, Pat Riley and company may have some tough decisions to make.
Mitchell Robinson’s Free Throw Turnaround: Real or Mirage?
If you’ve been watching the Knicks lately, you may have noticed something unusual-Mitchell Robinson knocking down free throws.
Yes, that Mitchell Robinson.
In a loss to the Sixers last Friday, Robinson went 7-for-8 from the line. Two nights later, he went 3-for-3 in a win over the Heat. For a player who’s made just 42.1% of his free throws this season-a career-low, by the way-that’s a noticeable uptick.
Robinson’s been working with Knicks shooting coach Peter Patton, and the changes are starting to show. According to Mike Brown, the improvement has come from Robinson finally buying into some mechanical tweaks-adjusting his elbow position and getting the ball higher on his release. And Robinson himself says he’s feeling more comfortable.
That matters. A lot.
Robinson is one of the league’s best offensive rebounders and a reliable rim protector, but his free throw struggles have kept him off the court in crunch time. Opposing teams have weaponized “Hack-a-Mitch” strategies to neutralize him late in games.
But if he can consistently hit in the 65-70% range? That changes the calculus for Tom Thibodeau in late-game situations.
It’s too early to say the problem is solved. But if this is more than a blip, the Knicks just got a little more dangerous.
The Bottom Line
The NBA’s Christmas slate is always a showcase, but for teams like the Warriors, Heat, and Knicks, the drama is already in full swing. Draymond Green’s volatility, Miami’s offensive collapse, and Mitchell Robinson’s free throw resurgence all point to bigger questions about where these teams are headed.
There’s no shortage of storylines this season-and as we approach the new year, the pressure is only going to ramp up.