The Golden State Warriors are in a tight race with the Houston Rockets for the last play-in spot. Despite Draymond Green’s early ejection, the Warriors managed to defeat the Orlando Magic, thanks to the inspiration of Stephen Curry.
Adding to the pressure, Rockets forward Tari Eason called out the Warriors off-court, which did not sit well with Green. The Rockets have been on a 10-game winning streak, putting pressure on the struggling Warriors to maintain their 10th position.
Someone should explain to him what happened to the Grizzlies when they talked shit to the Warriors.
Or the old Rockets
Or the Cavs
Or the Celtics
Or the Thunder
etc etc pic.twitter.com/YkbcGksFGD— Keith McCurdy (@KeithMcCurdy) March 28, 2024
Green addressed Eason’s comment, expressing his dissatisfaction and emphasizing the importance of performance on the court. Although Green acknowledged Eason’s bold statement, he also highlighted that the forward hasn’t been present in his franchise’s recent success due to his season-ending injury.
Draymond calls out Tari Eason
"I'm a little suprised that he hasn't played in a game since January 1st. So it's kind of tough to come out yelling 'come out and play' and you're not gonna play.”
(h/t @GameOnSteph_ )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 28, 2024
Despite this, Eason managed to earn the respect of Green, who previously praised his skills and compared him to himself. As the regular season concludes, Eason’s words have intensified the anticipation for the crucial game between the Rockets and the Warriors on April 4.
Green will have the opportunity to respond to Eason on the court, provided he avoids ejection. In response to Eason’s Instagram call-out, Green questioned why someone who hasn’t played in months would antagonize opponents and put strain on his own teammates.
Someone tell draymond to keep praising our young guys and I may forgive him one day pic.twitter.com/vQguQ2XAee
— 🚀 (@AaronPKP) February 21, 2024
Eason, with solid stats, is out for the season due to a leg injury. He won’t return until 2024-25. Meanwhile, Green has faced criticism for his on-court behavior and fights. He has been suspended and ejected from games. Despite this, Green is averaging decent points, rebounds, and assists.
The cause behind his outbursts is unclear, but Green underwent counseling after an incident with Nurkic. Kendrick Perkins suggests he needs more help to balance his passion for the game. Some speculate if Green will retire early due to frustration. The turmoil affects the entire Warriors franchise, and it is hoped that Green can find peace with basketball.
Fans reacted as follows:
You literally got ejected *again* last night
— TatumsWrld (@WrldOfTatum) March 28, 2024
Love that dude! 🤘
— SmirKing Revenge (@InvisibleHand78) March 28, 2024
Thursday April 4th GSW @ HOU 🍿
— NoahMuse (@JoakimMuse) March 28, 2024
They was gettin SMACKED last year like wiped !! Like MOPPED across the …..
Ok damn bro chill 😂😂 we get it
— Trevion G. (@popitfortre1moX) February 21, 2024
Someone tell draymond to keep praising our young guys and I may forgive him one day pic.twitter.com/vQguQ2XAee
— 🚀 (@AaronPKP) February 21, 2024
Nah I’m never forgiving that dude pic.twitter.com/2m636TVbV2
— Sef (@Sef_the_3rd) February 21, 2024