Tempers flared on the Golden State Warriors bench between forward Draymond Green and his head coach Steve Kerr. The two were captured in a heated exchange, arguing during Tuesday’s (AEDT) game.
The incident became so intense that Green retreated to the locker rooms with 20 minutes left in the game to cool down, while his teammates picked up a 120-97 win for the Warriors over the Orlando Magic.
“Tempers spilled over. I just thought it was best that I get out of there,” Green said.
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“I don’t think there was a situation where it was going to get better. So it was just best to remove myself…shit happens.
“We move forward. We alright.
“I’m not frustrated at all,” Green added.
“I had one turnover today. I had the ball the whole time I was in the game. I know how to fix problems when they’re a problem. I had one turnover in my minutes.
Draymond Green has a history of violent altercations in the NBA. Â San Francisco Chronicle via Gett
“I essentially ran our offense.”
Despite the visible friction, both parties were quick to dismiss any long-term fallout due to the heightened tempers, with Kerr admitting that Green was a “champion” that the team needed out on court.
“We had it out a little bit. He made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off. That’s all. We need Draymond,” Kerr said.
“He’s a champion. We’ve been together for a long time. It’s unfortunate what happened, but it happened. No, [it won’t linger].”
After Green left the court, the Warriors surged into the lead behind a perfect stretch of shooting from Steph Curry, who made all six of his shots in the third quarter.
Curry finished with 26 points.
Steph Curry led the Warriors to victory. Â Getty
The Warriors ran away with it in the fourth quarter to win by 23 points.
While the sideline spat dominated the post-game headlines, Curry was quick to remind reporters that the locker room vibes remained upbeat.
“The questions are a little bit more negative than they should be,” Curry said to reporters.
“I get why you’re asking them, but downstairs right now, the DJ has a good playlist going, the guys are getting their work in and we’re having a good time because we’re winning.”
This hands the Warriors a two-game win streak that bumped the previously struggling team back to a .500 record at 15-15.