The Golden State Warriors’ W over the Orlando Magic (120–97) almost took a backseat to a tense moment involving Steve Kerr and Draymond Green.

During a third-quarter timeout, the two engaged in a heated confrontation that led Green to temporarily leave the bench and head to the locker room.

An unusual scene, especially considering the long history shared between coach and player, which inevitably sparked debate about the Warriors’ emotional state at this point in the season.

Steve Kerr clarifies: “It was his decision”

After the game, Steve Kerr immediately sought to calm things down, explaining that Draymond Green was not forced off the bench. The decision to leave the court came directly from the player.

We had a heated exchange, that’s clear. Then he decided to go to the locker room to cool off. That’s all I’ll say—some things remain private

Steve Kerr

The coach reiterated the point later:

He left, we kept playing, and the team responded really well

Steve Kerr

Green returned to the bench during the fourth quarter, though Kerr admitted that at that moment he wouldn’t have considered putting him back in.

Draymond Green: “I took a step back for the team’s sake”

For his part, Draymond Green offered a clear-headed take on the episode, emphasizing that leaving the court was a form of self-control.

Tempers flared, and I thought it was better to step away. In that situation, things wouldn’t have improved

Draymond Green

Green also put the incident in a broader context:

Basketball is pure emotion. Sometimes you lose control—it happens. We move on

Draymond Green

His words confirm that, despite the loud incident, it left no lasting marks in the locker room.

A strong relationship that goes beyond the incident

Kerr didn’t hide his disappointment over what happened but also reiterated Green’s human and technical value within the Warriors’ project.

We need Draymond. He’s a champion, and we’ve been together a long time. It happened, but we move on

Steve Kerr

A sentiment echoed by Green himself:

We’re good. We’ve known each other for years; moving forward isn’t a problem

Draymond Green

Beyond the tension, the court spoke for itself. Draymond Green finished the game with 9 points and 7 rebounds in about 18 minutes, while the team controlled Orlando without much trouble.

With this win, the Golden State Warriors reach a 15–15 record, back to .500, confirming that despite emotional friction, the group remains competitive.