SAN FRANCISCO — Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Draymond Green was doing well and credited the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday for their swift reaction to the alleged ugly behavior displayed toward the Golden State forward by two fans who attended Game 2 of the teams’ Western Conference semifinal series.
In the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game, one fan was accused of violating the NBA Fan Code of Conduct and ejected for an incident involving Green, and another was heard making racially charged comments toward the veteran. That fan left before the arena security confirmed his identity, prompting the Timberwolves to continue investigating.
Kerr spoke to Green about the incidents on Friday and said the veteran had put the events behind him.
“He’s in good spirits,” Kerr said of Green shortly before the Warriors faced the Timberwolves in Game 3 at Chase Center. ”The fact that the Timberwolves handled it so well, security, I think it all was really meaningful. We talked about it yesterday, and he’s ready to go tonight.”
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch echoed Kerr’s comments, saying, “Obviously there’s zero place for any of that in sports or society. Proud of the way that our organization reacted swiftly, and hopefully, we can put it behind us.
“Minnesotans are great, warm, welcoming people, very open and tolerant. They’re die-hard sports fans, but everything has to be kept within the boundaries of what is acceptable.”
This wasn’t the first time Green was subjected to ugly behavior from opposing fans. During a testy Game 2 of the Warriors’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets, some fans at Toyota Center shouted “f– k you, Draymond” toward Green.
“It feels like everybody feels like they have the right to say whatever the heck they want to, regardless of being respectful or whatnot,” Finch said. “I probably have noticed some more loudmouths around the court than in years past, but it’s our job as professional athletes to block that out and try to carry forward.”
Green also caused a stir with his comments following the Warriors’ 113-97 loss to the Timberwolves, which evened the best-of-seven series 1-1.
Green, who earned his fifth technical foul of the playoffs during Thursday’s game, said afterward, “I’m tired of the agenda to make me look like the angry Black man. I’m a very successful, educated Black man with a great family, and I’m great at basketball and 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.”
VIBES ARE IMMACULATE: Kerr said injured guard Steph Curry is staying involved despite having to sit out Saturday’s game — and likely beyond — with a Grade 1 hamstring strain he sustained in the second quarter of Game 1 on Tuesday night.
Related Articles
With Curry sidelined, Warriors need Podziemski, Moody to return to form
How to watch Warriors-Timberwolves Game 3
Kurtenbach: Batman? Robin? No, the Warriors need a real superhero — Playoff Jimmy
Jonathan Kuminga made the most of his ‘moment’ for Warriors against Timberwolves
Warriors’ Draymond Green vents about being stereotyped after another technical foul
“Steph’s still here,” Kerr said. “Nothing changes with the vibe over the last few days with Steph being injured. The vibe is the exact same, the guys are prepping, together and laughing. They play basketball for a living. Life is good. So the vibes are good.”
Curry is being kept away from basketball-related activities for the time being. The Warriors are slated to give an update on his health early next week. Game 4 is on Monday in San Francisco, and Game 5 is on Wednesday in Minneapolis.
FOR STARTERS: Second-year Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis made his first career playoff start Saturday, as he began the game alongside Green, Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski. Jackson-Davis started 37 games for the Warriors this season.
