Avenging their loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors took care of matters at home this time. The Splash Buddies duo of Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield combined for 57 points, with key contributions from the likes of Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney.
Facing Anthony Edwards and Co. for the second time in three days, the Dubs wouldn’t lose back-to-back at home, defeating the Timberwolves 114-106. While Curry had a game-high scoring effort, Draymond Green had everyone’s attention with his night-night celly.
Draymond Green Mimics Stephen Curry’s Iconic Night-Night Celly
With less than 30 seconds left on the clock, Green had arch-rival Rudy Gobert guarding him. However, a timely screen from Curry would allow the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year space to drive in and throw down a slam. Nonetheless, what happened next gave fans at the Chase Center all their money’s worth.
DRAYMOND GREEN 'NIGHT NIGHT' CELEBRATION pic.twitter.com/7iwL5JmYFB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 9, 2024
Sending the T-Wolves home, Green would mimic teammate Steph Curry’s iconic night-night celly. The veteran’s gesture had Dub Nation roaring with excitement. Posting six points, six rebounds, and seven steals in the contest against Minnesota, Dray’s contributions go beyond his statline.
Not to forget, Green had added motivation coming into the game, considering his long-standing rivalry against Minnesota big man and four-time DPOY Gobert. The two stalwart defenders had been going back and forth since 2017 but things took a drastic turn on November 14, 2023.
Draymond Green put Rudy Gobert in a Chokehold
Hosting the Wolves at home during the 2023-24 In-Season Tournament, things took a rough turn a mere two minutes into the game. A scuffle broke out between Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels as players from both sides came to separate the two, Green caught Gobert from the neck.
In what seemed to be a chokehold, Dray wasn’t letting go of the seven-footer, coming in support of Klay. What followed had Green, McDaniels, and Thompson ejected from the game. But, things weren’t done yet, as many believed Green had crossed the line this time.
THINGS GETTING CHIPPY BETWEEN THE WARRIORS AND THE TIMBERWOLVES ALREADY
Draymond Green had Rudy Gobert in a chokehold pic.twitter.com/GRqleoD3e7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 15, 2023
As a consequence, Dray was suspended for five games but had no remorse over his actions, revealing he would always defend his teammates. To date, the four-time champion continues to take indirect digs at the Frenchman, be it his podcasts or via other media channels.
A 2025 Playoff Battle in the Cards?
Both Warriors and Timberwolves are promising contenders when it comes to making the playoffs this season. The two sides are currently 1-1 against each other this season, with two more games left, both being in Minnesota. It will be interesting to see who holds the edge in their four game regular season matchup.
Nevertheless, a Warriors vs. Timberwolves playoff series is on the wish-list of many, especially considering the feud between Green and Gobert. Adding to all the thrills would be a faceoff between Curry and Edwards.
Wolves might have youth by their side, but when it comes to winning games at the ultimate stage, GSW’s championship DNA holds great value. The iconic franchise has changed the landscape of the league over the years, be it their three-point shooting or unselfish way of playing.