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Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr discussed his heated exchange with Draymond Green during a lengthy media session Wednesday.
Green left the team’s bench during a timeout in the third quarter of Golden State’s game against the Orlando Magic on Monday. He finally headed to the locker room to freshen up. Kerr said that even after Green returned to the bench for the rest of the game, he wasn’t going to play.
“We talked about it a little bit, and he made the decision to go back to the locker room to cool down and that’s all I’m going to say about it. It’s all private. I don’t have anything else to add,” Kerr said at the time. Green had nine points and seven rebounds in Monday’s 120-97 victory.
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) walks to the team bench with head coach Steve Kerr after a game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on April 15, 2025. (Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images)
Kerr was later blamed for his role in the explosion.
“Monday night wasn’t my best moment, and it was a time where I needed to be calm in the huddle,” Kerr said after Wednesday’s practice, ahead of Golden State’s Christmas matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. “I regret my actions during this exchange. I have apologized to [Green]. He apologized to me. We both apologized to the team.”
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Kerr added that he and Green are both competitive by nature, which can sometimes lead to heated moments.
“These things, they happen, especially when you have two incredibly competitive people like Dray and I. So in the 12 years that we’ve been together, it’s happened from time to time, and I’m not proud of it.”
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, center, watches the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in San Francisco, California. (AP Photo/Justine Willard)
Kerr and Green first formed their partnership when the former NBA player was named head coach of the Warriors. He continued to point out the similarities he shares with Green.
“We’re more alike than anyone could imagine. So yeah, it’s not totally uncommon. I would say it hasn’t happened in a few years, this kind of division and explosion, but in our 12 years together, it’s not the first time. And we’ve always, always found a way to not only bounce back, but make progress as a result.”
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr watches as forward Draymond Green (23) speaks with an official during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Trojan Taormina/Imagn Images)
Kerr also made a clear point about Green’s basketball legacy.
“My No. 1 goal, honestly, is for him to finish his Warrior career with us metaphorically fighting – not literally but fighting and competing together – until we’re both gone. And I believe that’s going to happen. Because I believe in Draymond and I believe in myself, and I believe in everything we’ve built for 12 years.”
The Warriors beat the Mavericks on Christmas Day to improve to 16-15 on the season.
