The Golden State Warriors have won 12 out of a possible 14 games since their All NBA tandem of Draymond Green and Kevin Durant were seen arguing on the sidelines after a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on January 7. Green later told reporters he was happy with the loss, yet the scene of he and Durant arguing after losing to a seemingly inferior team repeated itself Saturday as the Sacramento Kings downed the Warriors.
Green and Durant were clearly seen having a heated exchange on the sidelines before being separated by Warriors guard Shaun Livingston. The loss featured plenty of blown tempers, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr was ejected. After Golden State took their eighth loss of the season, both Kerr and Green weighed in on what might’ve caused the spat.
“Kevin looked tired tonight,” Kerr told Anthony Slater of the Bay Area News Group. “I think he was out of gas. He’s been so incredible all year, played so efficient. He’s allowed to have one of those.”
Green echoed those sentiments, saying, “We definitely have to have him take more shots for sure. But how many times has that happened this season where he only took 10 shots? But tonight our offense wasn’t our offense. I’m not worried about it.”
Per Stephen Curry's request, the Warriors have opted for a more pick and roll-oriented offense after losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day. Given Durant's fondness for slipping picks as opposed to rolling to the rim, his attempts are somewhat down, while Curry has shouldered more of the offense.
In the waning moments of Saturday’s game, Durant deferred to Green, who bricked a potential game-tying three. Durant only made two of the 10 shots he attempted. Interestingly enough, the last sideline spat between Green and Durant was allegedly due to Durant opting for an isolation play in the January loss to Memphis.
For all the perceived turmoil within the Golden State locker room, the squad is still a league-best 42-8 heading into the All Star break.
