The Golden State Warriors’ 106-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday wasn’t just about poor offense, it was overshadowed by Draymond Green’s out-of-control behavior.
During an inbounds play, Warriors power forward bodied Rockets center Alperen Şengün with excessive force and drew a warning from the referee. Instead of backing off, Green yelled, “Call it then,” and followed up by elbowing Şengün.
Draymond was being physical with Sengun and the ref warned him
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 7, 2025
Draymond then yelled “call it then” and elbowed him😭 pic.twitter.com/Q1rrQe4ux3
The act, caught on video, triggered immediate backlash online:
“Can’t make finger guns but this is fine…,” a fan commented on X.
“NBA so soft bro, when Draymond leave where are we going to go. Bro still hard hat,” another fan reacted.
“Those refs make the game so soft. That’s why the NBA rating is very low,” one commented.
“Hope Sengun gets fined for the flop/acting,” one fan wrote.
Later, Green struck Şengün in the face with another elbow while going up for a layup. He was assessed a flagrant one foul, fueling further criticism.
Draymond was being physical with Sengun and the ref warned him
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 7, 2025
Draymond then yelled “call it then” and elbowed him😭 pic.twitter.com/Q1rrQe4ux3
“Someone needs to lay Draymond out!” another commented.
“Draymond is not funny,” another commented.
“Soft fans will cry about this,” another commented.
According to NBC Sports, former NBA player and Rockets analyst Ryan Hollins didn’t hold back. He called Green’s actions “ridiculous” and said Green was clearly trying to rattle Şengün because:
“He knows he can’t guard him to save his life,” Hollins said.
The Rockets thrived in the chaos. Şengün said Green’s technical foul gave his team a spark. From there, Houston took control.
Green finished with two points, three rebounds, and four assists. Şengün dominated with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ usual engine, struggled too, managing three points in a rare off night. That left Golden State scrambling, while the Rockets leaned into a physical game plan and walked away with the win.
The Defensive Player of the Year Debate and Contrasting Views on Draymond Green’s Impact
Draymond Green may have racked up fouls against the Rockets, but his Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) case didn’t take a hit.
Yet it wasn’t only Green making headlines. Rockets rookie Amen Thompson entered the DPOY conversation himself after locking down Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP managed just three points on 1-of-10 shooting and went scoreless in three direct matchups with Thompson. The rookie’s performance, coupled with Houston’s improved defense, has put voters on notice.
Ime Udoka on how Amen Thompson stacks up this year in the Defensive Player of the Year race:
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) April 6, 2025
"Much better than Draymond."
Long pause.
"That's a joke. I love Draymond." pic.twitter.com/kSWxb9egxc
Before the game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka offered a layered take. While joking that Thompson was “much better than Draymond,” Udoka quickly clarified his admiration for Green, called him the “quarterback” of the Warriors’ defense.
With the season winding down, the DPOY race remains tight. And if this game proved anything, it’s that Draymond Green’s defensive presence – flaws and all – continues to shape the conversation.
READ: Nikola Jokic May Need to Add “Elite Kicker” to His MVP Resume
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
