Green's action Criticized by Coach Steve Kerr

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed his disapproval of Draymond Green's actions, stating that Green "took it too far" and acknowledging that the five-game suspension handed down by the NBA was warranted. Kerr emphasized that Green was aware of his mistake and characterized the incident as a "bad look."

The NBA justified the length of the suspension by pointing to Green's "history of unsportsmanlike acts." The altercation unfolded early in the first quarter during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves when a scuffle between Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels prompted Rudy Gobert to intervene. Green, rushing in, put Gobert in a headlock in what the league deemed "an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner," leading to the ejection of Thompson, McDaniels, and Green.

Kerr defended Green's initial intervention but criticized the prolonged nature of the headlock, lasting six to seven seconds. He acknowledged the negative impact on the league's image and stressed the need for Green to exercise restraint. The coach revealed ongoing efforts within the team to address Green's on-court behavior, urging him to avoid crossing the line into physical violence.

Despite fines for Thompson, McDaniels, and Gobert, Green faces the most significant consequences with a five-game suspension and a loss of $769,704 in salary. Kerr emphasized the importance of helping Green strike a balance between being a fierce competitor and avoiding unacceptable acts of violence on the court.