Thunder star responds to Draymond Green’s unusual callout
Feb 23, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
One Oklahoma City Thunder star has not taken kindly to recent criticism from Draymond Green.
Last week, the Golden State Warriors veteran pointed out what he believed to be a potentially fatal flaw in the upstart Thunder. While Green admitted on his podcast that OKC has been impressive on the court this season, he qualified it by stating that the Thunder have shown a lack of “seriousness.”
Green pointed to the Thunder’s tradition of playfully barking as a team during postgame interviews. OKC has done the harmless ritual following wins since last season.
Thunder standout Jalen Williams, the unofficial originator of the tradition, was asked about Green’s comments following the Thunder’s Monday win over the Orlando Magic. Williams claimed he didn’t hear about Green’s criticism but called it “kinda weird” that the Warriors veteran would make such a statement.
“We’re just concerned about what’s going on here and everything else kinda takes care of itself,” Williams said, via Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire. “I feel like it’s kinda weird to have a strong opinion on it. But again, we’re just so locked on what we have going on here. That’s just how we come together as a team.”
It’s hard to disagree with Williams given that the Thunder have gone 7-0 to start the season and have looked every bit the part of the NBA Finals contender many expected them to be.
On the other hand, the Thunder already finished first in the West last season but flamed out early in the playoffs. While cutting out a fun postgame tradition more than likely won’t alter the Thunder’s title chances, Green has been integral to four different championship teams and knows the level of “seriousness” it takes to win.
The Thunder host Green and the Warriors on Sunday. Expect the loudest of barks if OKC comes away with a win over its longtime rivals.