Former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green was a source of frustration for Celtics players and fans alike in Game 2 of the Finals.
With the Golden State Warriors down 0-1, the forward took it upon himself to set the tone and instil some physicality for Game 2.
In 34 minutes of action, Green scored nine points, and registered five rebounds and seven assists while reviving his role as a facilitator on offense and a lock-down defender.
But it was his antics on the defensive end that had the Celtics and their supporters up in arms.
Draymond’s earns first technical in Game 2
Green was called for a technical with just under 5 minutes left in the first quarter for scuffling with Grant Williams.
The sister of Celtics forward Al Horford was quick to call out Green’s “dirty” play.
Altercation with Jaylen Brown
The end of the first half saw another incident involving Green, this time with Celtics star Jaylen Brown. A second technical would have gotten Green ejected but the referees decided to let it slide.
Former referee Steve Javie confirmed during the live broadcast that game officials weren’t going to penalize Green due to his existing technical foul.
Fans however were not amused with Draymond’s actions or the referees’ decision.
Jaylen Brown spoke about the incident after the game claiming Green tried to pull down his pants.
Celtics downplay Draymond factor
Celtics coach Ime Udoka didn’t publicly acknowledge Green’s actions except to say that he can only guard one player at a time.
Udoka instead focused on Boston’s poor play and lamented about their lack of aggressiveness on offense.
