The root of the Golden State Warriors' locker room fiasco between Draymond Green and Kevin Durant was more than just a simple poor decision at the near-end of a basketball game. Durant was visibly upset about not receiving a pass from Green before he turned the ball over in the final seconds of regulation, sending the game to overtime and ultimately resulting in a painful 121-116 loss to the LA Clippers after mustering a 16-3 run to end the fourth quarter.
Green had about five seconds left on the clock after collecting a defensive rebound, but chose to drive it, looking for a corner shooter before getting stripped by a pack of Clippers as the clock hit zero.
Per Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated:
Sources said Green was perturbed by Durant clapping for the ball and being upset about not getting it for a possible game-winner. Other sources said Green crossed the line when he responded with a very personal, expletive-laden tirade. Those words included Green telling Durant that he succeeded before he arrived and questioning the two-time Finals MVP’s loyalty with his upcoming free agency.
Others feel Green still believe that Golden State is his team, and would take personal offense if KD, the guy he recruited, leaves after three seasons with the team, according to ESPN's Ryen Russillo.
This is a matter that would have imploded at one time or another, given Green's conflictive persona and his blunt approach to issues within the team. Clapping for the ball and feeling like that was Durant's shot to take likely didn't sit well for one of the forefathers of the Warriors' ball-sharing system.
Golden State values the right opportunity over star power and the weight that has at the end of games, likely the reason Green was so irate by Durant's feral demand of the basketball.
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