Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was fined $50,000 for a very bizarre reason.
The NBA announced Wednesday that Green was fined for questioning the integrity of the game. The fine stems from a moment that was caught on the sideline during the final moments of Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals in which Green appeared to be reminding his teammates what the point spread was.
The NBA has fined Golden State's Draymond Green $50,000 for comments questioning integrity of the game officials, referring to the 5.5 spread number.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 14, 2025
Video from Game 3 showed Green seemingly pointing out the point spread of 5.5 with 15 seconds to go. At the time, the Warriors were trailing by 8, but hit a three on their final possession to cover the spread. Green was not on the floor at the time, having fouled out of the contest.
“5.5. I know what y’all doing.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 14, 2025
Draymond Green has been fined $50,000 for questioning the integrity of the officials by referring to the 5.5 point spread in Game 3, the league has announced. pic.twitter.com/ZUo4cgpJUk
The NBA’s assertion seems to be that Green was calling the integrity of the game into question by implying that the officiating was trying to ensure that Golden State did not cover. One could also question whether he was doing the sport a disservice by bringing up the point spread and seemingly urging his teammates to ensure that the Warriors covered. Either way, that is not something the NBA wants to encourage.
Needless to say, this is a highly unusual fine. Green, who already thinks people have it in for him, will probably see it as further evidence that the league is singling him out for unusual punishment.
The Warriors face Minnesota on Wednesday in a must-win Game 5 to keep their season alive. Green has to be careful, as beyond the fine, he has been playing dangerously close to the edge throughout the playoffs.
