Getty
Draymond Green and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors picked up a needed win Monday night, but the result was quickly overshadowed by a tense moment on the sideline.
Early in the second half of Golden State’s victory over the Orlando Magic, Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr were caught in a heated exchange during a timeout. The confrontation, filmed by a fan from behind the bench, ended with Green walking off toward the locker room and not returning to the game.
While the incident sparked immediate reaction online, one Warriors guard made it clear he had little interest in weighing in.
Oh my: Draymond Green storms into the locker room after a huge argument with Steve Kerr.
What is going on?!?
What Brandin Podziemski Said After the Game
GettyBrandin Podziemski has been a solid part of the Golden State Warriors’ rotation this season.
When asked about the exchange, guard Brandin Podziemski offered a blunt response.
“I didn’t see or hear anything,” Podziemski said. “It’ll get figured out.”
Podziemski was also asked whether there was a team rule about a player leaving the bench and being done for the night.
“I have no idea,” he said.
The answers were short, but revealing. Podziemski was not interested in speculating, assigning blame, or expanding the moment beyond what it was. From his perspective, it was not something that required commentary from a young rotation player.
Warriors’ Win Continued After Green’s Exit
Green’s departure came midway through the third quarter, following a brief stretch of turnovers and defensive lapses that prompted Kerr to call timeout.
According to Kerr, the exchange was rooted in basketball frustration.
“We got into it obviously,” Kerr said after the game. “I took the timeout because I thought we lost our focus. He made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off, and that’s all I’m gonna say about it.”
Steve Kerr said Draymond Green chose to go to the locker room after the two had a heated argument during an early third quarter timeout. He wasn’t sent there. Green returned to bench for fourth quarter but Kerr said he wouldn’t have gone back to Green.
Full soundbite
Green echoed that explanation.
“Tempers spilled over,” Green said. “I just thought it was best that I get out of there.”
Despite losing one of their emotional leaders, the Warriors responded with their best stretch of the night, closing the game on a dominant run and securing their second straight win.
Draymond Green on leaving the bench after his third quarter argument with Steve Kerr: “Tempers spilled over and I just thought it was best that I get out of there.”
Podziemski Let His Game Do the Talking
While Podziemski declined to weigh in on the sideline moment, he made his presence felt where it mattered.
The second-year guard finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and five assists, continuing a recent stretch of steady play as Golden State searches for consistency. His energy and decision-making stood out during a game that could have easily tilted the other way.
For a team hovering around .500, contributions like that matter.
Why This Moment Likely Won’t Linger
Neither Kerr nor Green indicated that the exchange would carry forward.
“We’ve been together a long time,” Green said. “Stuff happens. We move forward.”
Kerr was even more direct.
“The guys played great,” he said. “I’m proud of the team.”
That message appeared to resonate across the locker room. Podziemski’s non-reaction was telling. There was no sense of panic or fracture from within the rotation.
Final Word for the Warriors
GettySteph Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
The argument itself will draw attention, and the Warriors know it will not simply fade because another game is next on the calendar.
What came afterward was more restrained. Podziemski did not offer details. Kerr and Green both downplayed the incident. No one attempted to reframe it into something larger.
Golden State’s next game comes on Christmas Day against the Dallas Mavericks. The focus will shift to the floor quickly, but the exchange will linger in the background until the team’s response becomes visible.
For now, the message remains limited.
A moment happened. The season continues. How the Warriors look next will matter most.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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