'More crying than playing': Fiery NBA star's referee rethink
Draymond Green is a known agitator in the NBA.
The Golden State Warriors forward is a classic love him or hate him type of player.
Having made his name as an elite defender, Green is well-known for pushing the boundaries with the referees and his competition.
But something was different for most of this NBA season - Green’s attitude towards the referees became nothing short of openly hostile at times.
After the back and forth over officiating reached a crescendo in the Warriors’ second round series win over the Houston Rockets though, Green realised something had to change.
Well known for picking up technical fouls, Green hasn’t attracted the ire of the referees since game one against Houston.
Perhaps coincidentally, the Warriors have gone on a tear since.
After a dominant game three performance in the Western Conference finals against Portland, Green revealed he’d had to confront his attitude with the officials - and felt he was playing better as a result.
“I realized I had gotten to a point where I was doing more crying than playing,” Green said.
“I’m sure it was disgusting to watch, because I felt disgusting playing that way. I just wanted to lock back in on the game.
“I understand that officials aren’t perfect. I still have conversations with them now when they miss a call, but that’s a completely different conversation.”
"I realized I got to a point where I was doing more crying than playing.
Draymond on his mindset now in the #NBAPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/eFswAVHhYn— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 19, 2019
If not for 36 eye-catching points from Steph Curry powering a comeback from 18 points down, Green had an argument for best player on the floor.
His 20 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assist, and four steals were instrumental as the Warriors engineered a back-breaking comeback.
The former Defensive Player of the Year said conversations with his mother and fiancee had spurred his change in attitude.
“My mum has been really big, my fiancee has been really big on just talking to me about that and just telling me to stay locked in on the game,” Green said.
“I also have some little ones at the house that are enjoying watching me play and I don’t necessarily want them to see that, so I just try to be more mindful of it.”
