Getty
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Chase Center on January 30, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
The Golden State Warriors faced the San Antonio Spurs in their final game before the All-Star break. Draymond Green and Victor Wembanyama battled throughout the game, engaging in the type of physical defense both players are known for.
During the broadcast, one particular sequence caught the attention of fans watching on social media. A fan posted on Threads about ESPN analyst Doris Burke‘s commentary on the play, claiming Burke ignored contact by Wembanyama on Green while focusing on the physicality Wembanyama was dealing with. Green saw the post and responded, reigniting a long-running conversation about how his play is covered by national broadcasters.
Warriors’ Draymond Green Responds to Commentary Criticism
GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
Green responded to the post directly, suggesting there’s a pattern in how his play is covered. “She will always ignore things happening to me and only half mention the good,” Green wrote. “And take shots when they are available. Been that way for a while…”
Burke’s commentary on the play focused on both players engaging in physical contact while establishing position. She noted that Wembanyama works on handling physicality in pregame workouts. Her analysis highlighted how both players were battling, though the emphasis was on how Wembanyama handles that type of defense.
History Between Green and Burke
This isn’t the first time Green has taken issue with Burke’s commentary. During a 2025 playoff broadcast, Burke questioned whether Green receives preferential treatment from officials when it comes to arguing calls.
“How many guys get this kind of leash, in the league, to get a Flagrant 1 and continue the discussion?” Burke said during that broadcast. “It just gets tired. It just gets really tired.”
Burke has been critical of Green’s approach to officiating and his confrontational style throughout his career. Green has used his podcast and social media to push back against what he sees as unfair coverage of his game.
“How many guys get this kind of leash, in the league, to get a Flagrant 1 and continue the discussion?”
“They’re gonna give players a little extra rope…but it just gets tired.”
Doris Burke and Mike Breen react to Draymond Green getting a Flagrant 1 and continuing to argue.
Green and Wembanyama’s Physical Rivalry
GettyDraymond Green and Victor Wembanyama.
Green and Wembanyama have developed an intense on-court rivalry. Green guards Wembanyama physically and has defended him effectively, with the Warriors winning two of three matchups against the Spurs this season.
Earlier this season, Wembanyama dunked on Green and immediately screamed in his face after the two had exchanged words on the previous possession. The Spurs lost the game, but the moment showcased Wembanyama’s competitive fire.
“Somebody speaks to you in a certain way, you have to respond in a certain way,” Wembanyama said after that game, explaining his reaction to Green’s trash talk.
Green has called Wembanyama a “very, very, very, very, very special talent” and acknowledged how exhausting it is to defend someone of his size and skill. The battles between them have become must-watch basketball, featuring the type of physicality and competitiveness that defines playoff-intensity defense.
“Somebody speaks to you in a certain way, you have to respond in a certain way.”
Wemby on his interaction with Draymond 👀🍿
(Via @spurs)
What’s Next for Warriors
The Warriors head into the All-Star break at 29-26 in eighth place in the Western Conference. Golden State resumes its season next week following the midseason break.
Green’s social media response made his position clear. The conversation about how his play is covered by national broadcasters will likely continue, but Green isn’t staying quiet when he feels the coverage doesn’t tell the full story.
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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