In a tense postgame interview after the Golden State Warriors’ 117-93 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, Draymond Green addressed the media with strong words regarding his image.
“I’m not an angry black man,” Green said, his voice filled with frustration. “I’m a very successful, educated black man with a great family. I’m great at basketball. I’m great at what I do. To the agenda trying to make me look like an angry black man, it’s crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.”
Green’s comments came as the Warriors faced an uphill battle without Stephen Curry, who was sidelined due to a left hamstring strain. The Timberwolves took advantage of Curry’s absence, evening the series at 1-1 after a dominant Game 2 performance.
Green’s remarks were in response to the ongoing narrative surrounding his fiery and often confrontational style of play. Known for his passionate on-court demeanor, the 35-year-old forward has often been a lightning rod for controversy, particularly when it comes to his technical fouls and altercations with opponents.
Despite his frustrations, Green’s performance on the court wasn’t without merit. He finished with nine points, four rebounds, and five assists in just under 30 minutes of play. However, his night was marred by a technical foul after a heated exchange with Minnesota’s Naz Reid, which added to his postseason tally of five technicals. He is now just two technicals away from a one-game suspension.
The Warriors’ Game 2 loss was a stark contrast to their solid performance in Game 1. With Curry absent, Golden State struggled to find offensive rhythm and was outscored in every quarter. Green, alongside Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (15 points), did what they could to keep their team in the game, but the Timberwolves’ balanced attack proved too much.
The Timberwolves capitalized on Golden State’s lack of perimeter shooting, hitting 16-of-37 from beyond the arc. Julius Randle led the way with 24 points and 11 assists, while Anthony Edwards added 20 points. Minnesota’s bench also contributed heavily, outscoring Golden State’s reserves 44-38.
Game 3 is set for Saturday in San Francisco, where the Warriors will hope to have Curry back in the lineup and avoid falling further behind in the series.
