Trash talk went beyond the final buzzer of Saturday’s postseason game between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.
The Warriors outlasted the Rockets 104-93 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. Golden State won despite All-Star Jimmy Butler missing the contest due to injury.
Houston star Jalen Green, who poured in a game-high 38 points in a dominant Game 2 performance, was a virtual non-factor in Game 3. He finished 4/11 from the field for just nine points and was a -14 during his time on the floor.
Draymond Green added insult to injury after the game when the Warriors veteran taunted Jalen Green over the latter’s penchant for painting his nails.
The two exchanged words at half court. Words soon turned into gestures as Draymond began repeatedly stroking his own nails in an apparent attempt to mock Jalen.
Draymond telling Jalen Green to paint his nails LMFAOOOOOOO😭😭 pic.twitter.com/6JIqheEUYN
— terry (@terryworst) April 27, 2025
Draymond did not have a great game himself. The Warriors star tallied seven points on 3/11 shooting with five turnovers. During his postgame press conference, Jalen took a jab at Draymond for his poor play.
“Just talking,” Jalen said of his heated moment with Draymond after Game 3. “He can’t really do much of anything else, so talking is his only way.”
Golden State trailed 71-69 entering the fourth quarter. Gary Payton II did his best Jimmy Butler impression late, teaming up with Steph Curry to put Houston away. Payton and Curry combined for 20 points in the final period to seal the 11-point win for the Warriors.
Curry scored a game-high 36 points and was the only player from either side to breach the 20-point mark in the contest. Payton came alive for a personal playoff-best 16 points on 7/9 shooting.