Forget the hot takes from the fans; the Golden State Warriors‘ Draymond Green‘s suspension from Game 5 of the NBA playoffs for his fourth flagrant foul of the post-season has got the NBA’s players caught up in their feelings and airing them shamelessly.
It’s no wonder that the players are feeling that way, since the Warriors could potentially win the NBA finals on Monday night, for the second year in a row against the Cleveland Cavaliers — but it could prove to be tricky without Green, who’s been a key player for the Warriors this season and during the playoffs, despite some serious buzz about his what some might term “dirty” defense tactics.
In case you missed it, here’s what got Green suspended — a swing and what appears to be some strong language aimed at LeBron James.
Reigning league MVP, horrible sneaker designer, and baby-faced assassin Steph Curry said he was surprised by the suspension with a diplomatic statement.
“It’s an unfortunate situation, him getting caught with LeBron on top of him. I don’t think it was intentional to hurt anybody. We’re still confident. We know we have the depth and personnel to come out and get a win. That’s all that matters….We have to go out and get a win for him,” Curry said.
Curry’s wife Ayesha chose instead to subtweet James.
As did fellow player Marrese Speights, who made a succinct but pointed use of an emoji.
Splash brother Klay Thompson was less subtle.
As was his father, former NBA star Mychal Thompson.
Meanwhile, fellow NBA players Matt Barnes, Stephen Jackson, and Patrick Beverley all weighed in with support for Green.
And finally, King James said he didn’t want to comment, but he did have a good chuckle about the suspension.
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Write to Cady Lang at cady.lang@timemagazine.com