Draymond Green has a long history with Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gortbert.
The Golden State Warriors will lock the Minnesota Timber Wolves and the horn in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
There are many important matchups that fans will be paying attention to. Clearly, the fight between Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry is expected to receive a big spotlight.
However, when it comes to the defensive edge of the floor, the Draymond Green vs. Rudy Gobert matchup could be a series deciding factor for either team.
Both Green and Gobert are considered defensive anchors for their respective teams. In addition to that, the two stars share an animated past in the NBA.
Given that Green has already picked up four technical fouls and two prominent fouls, the Warriors have to worry about the 4x NBA champions stopping themselves.
However, the former NBA defensive player of the year winner appears to be mature as a player. That was evident from Green’s reaction in the face of Gobert in the second round.
“I need to hold it the same (gentle); forget about the others. I’ll be locked up.
“It’s important for me and this team to find that balance, find that line, not cross it,” Green said via Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
He added: “I gave them my words and I will continue to give them my words.”
The action speaks more eloquently than words, and Green’s statement will certainly be tested in a highly anticipated playoff match against Goatbert.
At this point in his career, most of the NBA community recognizes a consistent failure that Greene can’t control his emotions. Veteran forwards have spurred players countless times, and sometimes even resorting to hurting them on the floor.
But Gobert’s Green’s Beef dates back to 2019, when the Jazz Center at the time believed it had been snubbed from the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. Goat is famous for being broken by tears during the media’s arrival.
In response, Greene laughed at Goatbert, insisting that he should cry to not win an ASG nod. Since then, the two stars have filmed jabs that went round and over during the advent of social media and media.
However, the boiling point arrived in November 2023 when Green locked the infamous goat in the headlock. The action led Green to receive five games of suspension, increasingly concerned about his actions.
Although Green has been a milder person ever since the incident, there is always a chance that his old self will resurface when he faces Goatbert and the Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs.