Warriors' Draymond Green matchup receives playdown from Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert prior to Game 1 encounter
** Game 1 of the Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ** is set to happen at 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday night, promising an intriguing face-off between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert. Over the years, these two titans have been embroiled in heated altercations, making the ensuing series a highly-anticipated event.
Despite downplaying the feud during a recent press conference, Rudy Gobert couldn't help but praise the defensive prowess of the Warriors' standout forward. According to David McMenamin of ESPN, Gobert recognized Green as a formidable opponent. Overall, it seems the French center is more focused on Game 1's victory than Green's all-too-familiar antics on the court.
When asked about squaring off against Green, Gobert feigned indifference but acknowledged their shared competitiveness: "I enjoy it. He's a fierce competitor ... and so am I."
The Green-Gobert rivalry is no new phenomenon. Their spat dates back to 2019 when Green poked fun at Gobert's emotional distress over being snubbed from the All-Star Game. Over the years, they've engaged in online sparring, with Green repeating Gobert's words following his teammates' altercations and Gobert firing back with similar phrases.
One of the most significant physical encounters occurred in 2023 when Green placed Gobert in a headlock during a game. This incident earned Green a five-game suspension and a massive pay Fine. As the two teams collide once again in the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals, Green remains conscious of maintaining composure, acknowledging his past technical fouls and flagrant fouls.
The renewed rivalry will be closely monitored, with fans eagerly awaiting the first match-up since 2017. As a known instigator in the postseason, Green's performance will undoubtedly be under the spotlight. But for now, eyes are set on the epic showdown between these two formidable opponents.
(Enrichment Insight: The rivalry between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert dates back to 2019 when Green mocked Gobert over his All-Star snub. The two have engaged in heated online exchanges and physical altercations, culminating in the most severe conflict in 2023 when Green placed Gobert in a headlock, resulting in a five-game suspension and hefty fine for Green. As the teams face off again in the 2025 Playoffs, Green is prioritizing self-control to prevent further suspensions.)
| Year | Event | Outcome ||------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| 2019 | All-Star snub trolling | Green mocks Gobert over All-Star snub and Gobert responds in kind1. || 2022 | Social media sparring | Mutual criticism ensues over teammate altercations1. || 2023 | On-court headlock | Green suspended five games and fined significantly2. || 2025 | Playoff matchup precautions | Green emphasizes self-control to avoid suspensions3. |
The 2025 Western conference semifinals pit the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Golden State Warriors, reviving the contentious rivalry between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert.
During a recent press conference, Gobert acknowledged Green as a formidable opponent, praising his defensive prowess.
Their rivalry, which dates back to 2019 and escalated with a physical altercation in 2023, has made their series a highly-anticipated event in the NBA playoffs.
With the spotlight on Green's performance, Gobert and Green will engage again, aiming to secure Game 1's victory.
(Enrichment Insight: The renewed 2025 rivalry between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert spans multiple years, with events such as the 2019 All-Star snub trolling, social media sparring in 2022, an on-court headlock incident in 2023, and Green's emphasis on self-control for the 2025 playoff matchup to prevent further suspensions and fines.)
