Draymond Green admits he was ‘wrong’ for outburst during loss to Hornets

The Golden State Warriors were in prime position to get a win against the Charlotte Hornets without Stephen Curry in the lineup. The rest of the Dubs stepped up to give the team a chance at victory but that came apart late in the game when Draymond Green was called for two technicals.

Terry Rozier hit the two free throws to tie the game and wound up hitting a buzzer-beating game-game winner.

Head coach Steve Kerr called out the former Defensive Player of the Year for his behavior, saying Green had “crossed the line” with his antics. The loss dropped Golden State to 16-15 on the season as it continues to fight for a playoff spot.

Green spoke with media members on Monday and opened up about the incident. The veteran admits he should have had some more self-control.

“I can admit my faults and when I’m wrong,” Green said. “And I was wrong. And I have to do what I have to do to make that up to my teammates ... and like I told the guys, I appreciate the support of me, but that action does not warrant support.

“With support from teammates comes responsibility, and I let that responsibility go. And so to think that just because they are my teammates and I do have their support, don’t necessarily mean I was deserving of it in that situation, because I wasn’t. So I’m very appreciative of them and I owe them.”

No one can deny Green’s value to the team. He ranks third in assists in the NBA during the month of February and helped the Warriors withstand the loss of big men James Wiseman and Kevon Looney.

The 30-year-old is known for playing with his heart on his sleeve. Although Green has undoubtedly been on the leaders for the Dubs over the past seven years, his emotions have gotten the best of him.

He was suspended for Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals after kicking LeBron James, who was then playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Green also famously clashed with former teammate Kevin Durant a game against the L.A. Clippers in November of 2018.

Green looks back at what happened in Charlotte with a ton of regret.

“I let that control get away from me, and in turn I let the game get away from myself and my teammates,” Green said. “And I think the reason it bothered me more was because ... winning an NBA game is not easy. This young team has not had, the guys on this team has not had much experience with winning. And so to take the game away from my teammates, which they worked so hard for, was a bit frustrating for me because I let them down.”

The outspoken Green is loved by his teammates, who know he will go to war with them every time they step on the court. But in a season like this one, every game matters. Draymond has been splendid since taking over the starting center position. If he keeps his composure and doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him, his play will be the focal point instead of his words.