The Golden State Warriors face difficulty in the playoff series against the Minesota Timberwolves who are leading the game wins. Finding the situation difficult is Warriors’ Draymond Green who places the referees at the centre of the franchise’s downfall. Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals saw a loss for the Warriors and Green threw himself in hot water as he questioned the referees’ integrity. While this sort of outspoken behaviour is common from Green, the assumptions he placed on the NBA referees concluded with a $50000 fine by the NBA.
Here’s what Draymond Green commented thus receiving a $50,000 fine
Aiming to catch up in the semifinals, May 10th did not favour the Warriors with their final score of 97 against the 102 Timberwolves win. The fairness and integrity of the referees was questioned, in Chase Center along with an inappropriate comment mouthed by Draymond Green. Affected by their losing strike, Green was captured in the few second left of the game mouthing “five and a half” and “spread” while showing his five fingers.
The clip of Green, shared across social media, followed an NBA announcement by Bryon Spruell who is the President of League Operation, saying that “comments that question the integrity of our officials will not be tolerated.” Adding to the list of quarrels with referees, this situation is not foreign to Green with the history of being outspoken and receiving fines from the league and this time it was a $50000 fine.
The Warriors’ Playoff performance and their struggle
The Western Conference semifinals were not looking good for the Golden State Warriors as they headed into Game 5 with a 3-1 loss in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Close to leaving the Playoffs, Game 4 added to their brink of elimination with a 117-110 loss. As this reality for the Warriors slowly settles, Draymond Green looks to the integrity of the NBA referees.
His foul in Game 3 is said to have placed the Warriors in a further loss as Green has been the key player. His leadership throughout the games are one the team depends on; however, his outbursts have contributed to costing the team. Green’s playoffs games have averaged 9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Prior to entering the playoffs, the Golden State Warriors ranked 7th, securing their spot in the Playoffs after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament.
The first round of the Playoffs had the franchise leading 3-1 which they nearly lost against the Houston Rockets. During the difficult moments of the Warriors, head coach Steve Kerr said, “We have to stay focused and play our game.” Further difficulty lays with the injury of NBA star, Stephen Curry who was unable to play Game 5 due to his hamstring.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ series domination against Warriors
With the end of the series and elimination of the Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves showed a great performance in Game 5. Portraying a consistent momentum in the series, the defence playing of the team and their accurate scoring led them to being a part of the Western Conference Finals. Achieving this milestone records their first Western Conference Finals appearance in decades.
Ready for the achievement, Anthony Edwards says, “We’re locked in and ready to finish the job.” Facing record breakers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Timberwolves did a great job succeeding against the team. The player that locked in, in the series was Anthony Edwards who carried the average of 28 points per game. Playing alongside Julius Randle, Edwards combined 61 points and 10 three-pointer.
Facing the pressure to lead the Golden State Warriors to victory, Draymond Green played his all however not enough with the elimination of the franchise against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As they journey to closing out the series, Game 3 of the series faced a win from the Minnesota Timberwolves along with the foul from Draymond Green who criticized the referees, doubting their integrity. This expected reaction from Green concluded with him receiving a $50000 fine from the NBA. While Green faced the foul, many feel that this caused a setback in the Warriors as they depended on the player.
