Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green takes a dig at the Houston Rockets, mentioning Fred VanVleet in the process.
Draymond Green's Playful Digs After Golden State's Win Against the Rockets
Draymond Green, known for his playful nature, didn't hold back when discussing the Houston Rockets following the Warriors' Game 7 victory. After defeating the Rockets 103-89, Green took a moment to acknowledge their resilience and bright future while also throwing a dig at Fred VanVleet.
The Rockets, down 3-1 to the Warriors after four games, fought back with two consecutive victories, including one on the road in Game 6, forcing a decisive Game 7 in Houston. Green's experience and the Warriors' adjustments ultimately proved to be the difference-makers, symbolizing a championship-proven organization.
Before their playoff series even began, VanVleet stated repeatedly that this year's Rockets team was different from those that faced the Warriors in the past. In response, Green said, "It's always fun winning in this city. I saw Fred made a comment earlier saying, 'This ain't that team.' It's that organization, though. And we like coming to this city and playing in these situations. It's been good to us."
Draymond Green's playoff series against the Rockets have certainly sparked some lively exchanges. During their matches, Green received a technical foul after an altercation with VanVleet. Despite this, Green remained composed, earning praise from his head coach Steve Kerr for maintaining his cool during the tense series.
Green's postgame comments served as more than just a celebration of the Warriors' victory. They also set the record straight - this Warriors team, with Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, and Green at the helm, have now defeated the Rockets five times in the playoffs, going 20-10 in 30 playoff games against Houston.
Green, however, was quick to temper his celebration. "I think what you saw from us is that this stuff is hard, man. He told me the other day, 'I got a question,' and they were saying like, 'This is tougher than it used to be.' I'm like, 'No it ain't! It's always been hard.' To get over the hump, the first hump, you feel good about it. Enjoy it, appreciate it tonight, and move on from it tomorrow."
While the 2025 Rockets may have been a different team than those that met the Warriors in previous matchups, the outcome was ultimately the same for Golden State. Green, with his strong words and unyielding composure, is a testament to the Warriors' championship pedigree.
Stephen Curry's Dominance vs. Rockets
Green's Defense Against Media Stereotypes
Revisiting Green and VanVleet's Altercation
Green's Poised Response to VanVleet's Comments
Green's victory speech centered around the NBA playoffs championship, praising the Rockets for their resilience and acknowledging their potential, but also reminding them that it's still the Warriors' organization that consistently clinches the championship. Despite Fred VanVleet's claim that this year's Rockets team was different, Green emphasized their consecutive losses to the Warriors in the playoffs, further showcasing the Warriors' basketball dominance.
