The intensity between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets has escalated beyond the usual playoff animosity, according to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Draymond Green, a player known for his competitive spark and willingness to provoke, finds himself currently in the crosshairs of Rockets fans.
This rivalry is far from new. The two teams have met five times in the playoffs since the 2014-15 season – a period that marked the beginning of Golden State’s dominant run. The Warriors hold a commanding record, having won all four previous series, including two Western Conference Finals matchups (one where Houston held a surprising 3-2 lead in 2018).
While heightened emotions are standard fare during playoff battles, Kerr expressed discomfort with the level of hostility directed at Green. During Game 2, Rockets supporters unleashed a barrage of profane chants.
“It’s not ideal when a crowd is chanting ‘F you, Draymond.’ It’s just… I don’t know,” Kerr stated. “They did it in Boston a few years ago during the Finals. It is what it is.”
He further elaborated on Green’s role within the league:
- “Draymond has been around forever.”
- “He’s an instigator; he’s always going to be in the mix.”
- “Because of his career, his championships, and his fire, he’s going to be a lightning rod, and that’s all part of it.”
Kerr concluded with a plea for more restraint from fans: “I would prefer if fans could use a little more discretion and remember that the guy has kids.”
Green, however, remained remarkably unfazed by the fan reaction.
“It’s not original,” he remarked. “Been there before, won a championship while it was happening. Can’t steal other people’s chants. That belongs to Boston. So, I kinda just kept pushing.”
Green’s history of on-court incidents reflects his aggressive style of play. Last season alone, he faced two suspensions:
- A five-game suspension for a chokehold incident involving Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
- An indefinite suspension following a strike to the face of Jusuf Nurkic.
He also frequently accumulates technical fouls, consistently ranking among the league leaders.
The series is currently tied at 1-1, and Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.
