Draymond Green’s reputation as one of the NBA’s most physical and polarizing players followed him once again on Thursday night.
Early in the fourth quarter of the Golden State Warriors’ matchup against the New York Knicks — which saw the Dubs win 126-113 — Green found himself at the center of controversy after a defensive sequence involving Karl-Anthony Towns.
As Towns attacked the basket, Green ended up on the floor but continued trying to disrupt the play. In the process, the former Defensive Player of the Year reached out and grabbed Towns’ left foot, sending the Knicks star tumbling to the hardwood.
Towns immediately appealed to the officials, clearly frustrated by the dangerous nature of the play. After review, referees assessed Green with a Flagrant 1 foul, sending Towns to the free-throw line for two shots.
NBA Fans Angry at Draymond Green
The incident quickly sparked backlash online, with fans unleashing harsh criticism toward the Warriors star on X. The reactions were blunt and unforgiving:
“The dirtiest player in the league,” a fan wrote. Another one said, “Draymond a straight weirdo.”
“Draymond is just another reason that no-one should watch the NBA. The fact he is still around is insane. Shows how much power the players in the league that hate him DO NOT HAVE. The league doesnt punish him enough or banish him because they know their league isnt about bball,” a poster added.
A critic shared, “Yeah that’s dirty.”
“Man, the nba sucks if they don’t give this fool a suspension,” a frustrated viewer added.
“Get him out of the league already wtf,” a follower shared.
For many fans, the play only reinforced a long-standing narrative surrounding Green’s style of play. This is far from the first time he has been labeled a “dirty player” by opponents or viewers.
While Green has built a Hall of Fame résumé anchored by defense, intensity and championships, moments like Thursday night’s foul continue to overshadow his impact on the court. As scrutiny grows louder, the question remains how much longer the league and its fans will tolerate the fine line he walks between aggressive defense and reckless play.
