The 2016 NBA Finals is a moment many Warriors fans have tried to blur out due to its unfavorable outcome.
One of the few events that helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win their only championship in franchise history was Draymond Green’s late scuffle with LeBron James in Golden State’s 108-97 Game 4 victory, which led to the Warriors’ All-Star forward getting suspended for Game 5.
Golden State eventually lost to Cleveland despite having a 3-1 series lead over James and company.
During a live taping of “The Draymond Green Show” podcast with guest Skip Bayless, Green shared his thoughts on calling James a “b—h” during the exchange.
“Well, that’s my brother,” Green told Bayless. “And it’s actually one of the moments I regret because when I use that word with people, [which] I pull out here and there on the court, but when I pull that word out, I’m ready to fight.
“So, I’m saying this word to you so that you can get ready to fight me. And it’s one thousand percent a fighting word.”
Since that incident, both Green and James have developed a close friendship, brushing away any of the past remarks.
“When I look back on that moment, it’s one I’m not proud of, especially with where our relationship is today,” Green added. “It’s one that, like I said, when I pull that word out, all respect is out the window, and my respect for [LeBron] is through the roof.
“Him getting over it was also me going to him and acknowledging that and speaking on that.”
Despite the heartbreaking loss in 2016, Green and the Warriors prevailed over James and the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals and won two more championships during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 NBA seasons.
Who knows what could have happened if the scuffle had not happened, but for now, the 2016 NBA Finals will continue to be a forgotten memory for Dub Nation.
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