Draymond Green never holds back, and after yet another playoff victory over the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors‘ vocal leader made sure his presence was felt on and off the court. Speaking after the Warriors’ Game 7 win in Houston, Green delivered a calculated, menacing statement that blended trash talk with genuine respect, a signature of his postseason persona.
“It’s always fun winning in a city and winning in this arena. I saw Fred had made a comment earlier in the series, said this ain’t that team. It’s that organization, though, and we like coming in this city and playing in these situations.”
That quote wasn’t just a jab, it was a history lesson. Over the past decade, the Warriors have tormented the Rockets in the postseason: 4-1 in 2015, 4-1 in 2016, 4-3 in 2018, 4-2 in 2019, and now 4-3 in 2025.
No matter how the Rockets have rebuilt, retooled, or reimagined themselves, Golden State and specifically Draymond Green, has remained a constant nightmare.
The build-up to this series had its share of spice. Back in March, Rockets forward Tari Eason provocatively posted “Warriors, come out to play” on Instagram after a win, referencing the iconic line from the 1979 film The Warriors.
Green waited until the job was done to respond, mocking Houston with a “Spoiled milk” post on X (formerly Twitter) following the Game 7 win.
But Green didn’t leave it there. While basking in the win, he did take a moment to acknowledge the evolution of the Rockets.
“Ime, the way he had those guys fighting. I gained a lot of respect for that team throughout this series. One of the tougher series I’ve played in, personally. But that’s a young team to be reckoned with.”
“And I told myself I was going to talk crazy because they have been talking crazy all series and on the Internet. But I gained so much respect for those guys. Sengun is an incredible player. The way Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams led those guys, they had no experience, and they led them, took us to the brink.”
“That team’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. And I hope they understand that, you know, things can change fast in this league. You’re only on the up until you’re not.”
“But they got something promising that they can continue to build on. Jabari Smith, incredible. He played like a vet this whole series, getting his spots, knocking big shots down. A lot of respect for those guys.”
He singled out Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. for their grit, playmaking, and poise under pressure. Thompson, in particular, gave Stephen Curry all he could handle defensively and showed flashes of superstardom on offense.
Sengun, despite a tough Game 7, has emerged as a legitimate All-Star. And Smith, who knocked down clutch shots throughout the series, impressed Green with his composure.
And that’s the duality of Draymond Green. He’ll antagonize you, poke the bear, then offer his hand with a smirk once it’s over. The Rockets may have been a step away from ending the Warriors’ dynasty in 2018.
In 2025, they were a step away from beginning their own. But once again, it was Golden State who walked out of Houston with the win, and Draymond Green who made sure everyone heard about it.
