Warriors' Draymond Green Challenges 'Angry Black Man' Stereotype After Fifth Playoff Technical Foul

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green received his fifth technical foul of the 2025 NBA playoffs during Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which the Warriors lost 117–93. After the game, Green criticized the media for portraying him as an 'angry Black man,' emphasizing his success and professionalism. The incident occurred in the second quarter when Green struck Naz Reid, leading to a technical foul. Green's comments highlight his frustration with being stereotyped, and he stressed the importance of his role in the team, especially with Stephen Curry injured.

A Heated Moment in Game 2

The incident occurred in the second quarter of Thursday night’s game at Target Center in Minneapolis. Green was matched up against Timberwolves forward Naz Reid when a foul was called on Reid. In the aftermath, Green flailed his arm and struck Reid in the head, prompting officials to review the play. The result was Green’s fifth technical foul of the postseason, putting him just two away from an automatic one-game suspension.

Green’s reaction was immediate and intense. He yelled at the officials and had to be calmed down by teammates, including injured star Stephen Curry. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr quickly subbed Green out of the game in an effort to deescalate the situation. Green remained on the bench for six minutes before returning to finish with nine points, five assists, and four rebounds in 29 minutes of play.

Green Speaks Out: “I’m Not an Angry Black Man”

After the game, Green addressed the media in the locker room and delivered a brief but forceful statement. “I’m not an angry Black man,” he said. “I’m a very successful, educated Black man with a great family. And I’m great at basketball, I’m great at what I do. The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.”

Green’s comments were a direct response to what he perceives as a long-standing media and public narrative that mischaracterizes his passion and competitive nature as aggression. He expressed frustration that his accomplishments and professionalism are often overshadowed by his on-court intensity.

A History of Tension

This is not the first time Green has found himself in the spotlight for his behavior during games. Known for his fiery demeanor and emotional leadership, Green has walked a fine line throughout his career. He has been suspended multiple times, including a high-profile incident in 2023 when he struck then-Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face.

In this postseason alone, Green has accumulated five technical fouls and two flagrant fouls. NBA rules stipulate that a player who reaches seven technical fouls or four flagrant foul points in the playoffs is automatically suspended for one game. With the Warriors already missing Curry due to injury, Green’s availability is critical to the team’s chances of advancing.

Coach Kerr: “It’s Part of Draymond”

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge of managing Green’s intensity. “It’s part of Draymond,” Kerr said after the game. “The same thing that makes him such a competitor and a winner puts him over the top sometimes. We know that, and it’s our job to try and help him stay poised, stay composed. But the competition is so meaningful to him that occasionally he goes over the line.”

Kerr also noted that Green has a habit of flailing his arms to draw attention to fouls, a tactic that can sometimes result in unintended contact and, as in this case, technical fouls.

A Broader Message

Green’s postgame remarks extended beyond the immediate context of the technical foul. He spoke about the broader implications of how he is portrayed and the toll it takes on him personally and professionally. “I take pride in what I’ve built,” he said. “I’ve worked hard to get here. I’ve done it the right way. I’ve done it with integrity. And to have that constantly questioned or reduced to a stereotype is exhausting.”

He added, “I’m not perfect. I play with emotion. But that doesn’t mean I’m out of control or that I’m some kind of villain. I’m a leader. I’m a father. I’m a husband. I’m a champion.”

The Road Ahead

With the series now tied 1–1 and heading back to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4, the Warriors face mounting pressure. Green’s presence on the court is vital, especially with Curry sidelined. But the margin for error is slim. Any further technical or flagrant fouls could result in a suspension that would significantly impact Golden State’s playoff hopes.

Green, for his part, appears determined to stay focused. “I know what’s at stake,” he said. “I know how much my team needs me. I’m going to keep playing hard, but I’m also going to keep being me. I’m not going to let anyone take that away from me.”

Warriors' Draymond Green Challenges 'Angry Black Man' Stereotype After Fifth Playoff Technical Foul

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