With suspension threat looming, Draymond Green’s approach revealed ahead of risky Rudy Gobert clash, ‘important for me...’

Draymond Green has a lengthy history with Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert. The Golden State Warriors will lock horns with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. There are a plethora of key matchups that fans will look out for.

Obviously, the battle between Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry is expected to receive major spotlight. However, when it comes to the defensive end of the floor, the Draymond Green vs Rudy Gobert matchup could be the series-deciding factor for either team. Draymond Green on his preparations to face Rudy Gobert Both Green and Gobert are considered defensive anchors for their respective teams .



On top of that, the two stars share an animated past in the NBA . Considering Green has already picked up four technical fouls and two flagrant fouls in the first round, the Warriors must be worried about the 4x NBA champ getting himself suspended. However, the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner has seemingly matured as a player.

It was evident from Green’s response to facing Gobert in the second round. “I have to keep it similarly [calm] for my guys. Forget anybody else.

I’ll be locked in. “Finding that balance, finding that line and not crossing it is important for me and this team,” Green said, via Anthony Slater of The Athletic . He added: “I gave them my word, and I’ll continue to give them my word.

” Actions speak louder than words, and Green’s statement will certainly be put to the test in the much-anticipated playoff bout against Gobert. Draymond Green’s past with Rudy Gobert At this point in his career, most of the NBA community is aware of Green’s consistent failure to keep his emotions in check . The veteran forward has provoked players countless times, sometimes even resorting to hurting them on the floor.

However, Green’s beef with Gobert dates back to 2019 when the then-Utah Jazz center believed he was snubbed from the 2019 NBA All-Star game. Gobert famously broke down in tears during a media appearance. In response, Green mocked Gobert, claiming he should cry too for not earning the nod for the ASG.

Since then, the two stars have taken back-and-forth jabs on social media and during media appearances. However, the boiling point arrived in November 2023 when Green infamously locked Gobert in a headlock . This action led to Green receiving a five-game suspension , reflecting his increasingly concerning behavior.

While Green has become a much calmer person since the incident, there is always a possibility that his old self resurfaces when facing Gobert and the Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs. This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission..