Warriors star pushes back against 'angry black man' media portrayal

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is fed up with the media’s portrayal of him, and he made that known on Thursday night.

Following Golden State’s 117-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals Thursday, Green delivered a pointed postgame statement addressing what he perceives as a persistent media narrative. 

Green, who picked up his fifth technical foul of the 2025 playoffs during the loss, expressed frustration over being portrayed as an “angry Black man,” calling the agenda “crazy” and “ridiculous,” per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.

The technical foul came in the second quarter when Green, fouled by Timberwolves’ Naz Reid, flailed his arm and made contact with Reid’s face, prompting a review and a call for a “hostile act.”

Green’s reaction drew intervention from teammates, including an injured Stephen Curry and coach Steve Kerr, who benched him briefly to de-escalate. Green finished with nine points, five assists, and four rebounds in 29 minutes but was visibly simmering postgame.

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Warriors teammate Jimmy Butler supported Green, suggesting the league disproportionately scrutinizes him due to his history. 

With five technicals in nine playoff games, Green is two away from a one-game suspension, adding pressure to maintain composure. 

Green’s leadership will continue to be critical in this series, especially with Curry sidelined.

Game 3 will take place on Saturday night at the Chase Center.

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