The Golden State Warriors survived a surge from the young, up-and-coming Houston Rockets in Game 7 on Sunday. After going up 3-1 in the series, the Warriors were pushed to the brink of elimination by the Rockets, who forced a Game 7 in front of their home fan.
The Rockets had a golden opportunity to make an improbable comeback, but the Warriors’ experience and veteran leadership of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green were more than enough to come out on top.
Now, Golden State will face the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves with the series tipping off on Tuesday. However, before the page was turned from the epic Warriors-Rockets series, Green had some comments about the Rockets’ antagonizing forward, Dillon Brooks.
Green was blunt with his comment, as he normally is, calling out Brooks on not shaking hands after Game 7.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
Green took to his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.”
“Dillon Brooks ran off the court. So, when I say you see what guys is made of, he ran off the court. Ain’t shake nobody up. You admitted you were trying to hurt Steph’s hand. Which, fine by me, bro. I get it, we all get it when you hoop.
“If you’re gonna be on that type of time, wear shades in the press conference, you going to be talking, you going to be Mr. Big Bad Wolf, don’t lose and then not face the music. Don’t be that guy. Because, again, you lose a lot of respect for guys in that moment.”
The four-time NBA champion didn’t hold back, also noting that Brooks doesn’t command much respect from his peers on the court because of his behavior.
“Dillon Brooks couldn’t come through in this series, in large part because nobody on the court respects you. So anything you do, the way it’s going to be looked at, the way it’s going to be received, it ain’t beneficial to your team when you’re trying to win championships.
“When you’re trying to compete at the highest level and you’re that type of guy, it ain’t beneficial to your team and it catch you in the ear.”
Green and Brooks have a bit of a past, stemming from their battles in the 2022 second-round playoff series between the Warriors and Grizzlies. Known for their physicality and competitive edge, the two have gone head-to-head on several occasions.
Green will move on with his quest for a fifth title, while Brooks will regroup with a Rockets team with a bright future.
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