When it comes to the NBA playoffs, tensions are always high, but when Draymond Green is involved, you can bet things will reach a boiling point fast. Game 3 between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets had everything — clutch performances, drama, and a wild post-game confrontation that almost escalated into a full-on brawl. And yes, Draymond Green was once again at the center of it all.

Let’s break down how this chaotic encounter unfolded and why Draymond Green continues to be the NBA’s ultimate instigator.

The Warriors had just come off a big 104-93 win over the Rockets, taking a 2-1 series lead, but things were far from settled. As the Rockets trudged off the court in frustration, Draymond Green made sure to remind them of who was on top — and he did it in classic Draymond style.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that Green was pointing to his ring finger, taunting the Rockets with his championship bling, while making sure to direct his attention to Fred VanVleet. This was no accidental flex; it was Draymond doing what he does best — getting under the skin of his opponents.

But it didn’t stop there. No, that was just the beginning of the firestorm. A moment later, Draymond took a verbal jab at Jalen Green, telling him to “paint his nails.” The comment, as usual, was as pointed as it was playful — the kind of remark that’s guaranteed to light a fuse on an already fiery playoff series.

You could almost feel the tension explode when Jalen Green heard Draymond’s words. According to reports, the Rockets guard wasn’t having it. This wasn’t some lighthearted chirping from Draymond. This was an all-out provocation, and Jalen Green was not about to let it slide. He immediately turned towards Draymond Green with fire in his eyes.

But before anything could go down, security quickly stepped in to prevent a full-blown physical altercation. Jalen Green, clearly heated, was stopped just short of charging at Draymond — but the moment was enough to show just how intense the rivalry between these two teams had become. In the postgame interview, Jalen said, “Just talking. He can’t really do much of anything else, so talking is his only way“. That’s a cheap shot at someone who had 8 rebounds and was in the competition for the DPOY.

It was the perfect example of how Draymond Green thrives in these high-stakes situations. He lives for the drama, for the moments where he can get under the skin of his opponents and create a little chaos. It’s part of what makes him so dangerous on the court. But it’s also what makes him the most hated (and, let’s be honest, loved) player in the league.

The Draymond-Jalen Green History: Starting the Fire

This wasn’t the first time Draymond and Jalen Green had clashed. In Game 2, things got physical between the two when Green took an elbow to the face from Jalen Green while they were battling for position. Initially called a personal foul, the play was upgraded to a Flagrant 1 after review, escalating the tension even further.

The physicality between these two teams has been palpable throughout the series, and Game 3 was no exception. The Rockets, despite having home-court advantage in Game 2, were up against a Warriors team with playoff pedigree and a defense led by the ultimate antagonist in Draymond Green.

What makes this series even more intriguing is that the Rockets and Warriors, both teams playing intensely physical basketball, are clearly building a renewed rivalry. The 1990s-style hard-nosed defense and emotions running high have been on full display, and Draymond Green has embraced his role as the series’ main provocateur. This is exactly the kind of atmosphere he thrives in.

While the Draymond-Jalen scuffle nearly stole the show, the Warriors kept their heads in the game. Despite the absence of their star acquisition, Jimmy Butler, who suffered a pelvic injury in Game 2, Golden State managed to come up with the win thanks to a monstrous 36-point performance from Steph Curry.

Curry, known for his ability to rise to the occasion in the playoffs, was in full Playoff mode, taking over when his team needed him most. The Warriors also got a major lift from their bench, as Buddy Hield knocked down five three-pointers for 17 points and Gary Payton II came through with an impressive 16 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Even without Butler, who is a key cog in their playoff push, the Warriors were able to take control of the game. However, Draymond Green’s presence in the game was still felt in more ways than one, and it wasn’t just through his defensive plays. His leadership and ability to keep the Rockets rattled with his psychological tactics helped tip the scales in Golden State’s favor.

As the Warriors now head home to Chase Center for Game 4, the series is far from over. Golden State holds a 2-1 lead, but the Rockets are not going down without a fight. This series is going to get even more intense, and you can bet Draymond Green will be right in the thick of it, continuing to provoke, defend, and do whatever it takes to give his team an edge.

Both teams know that every game is crucial in the chase for a playoff victory, and the level of intensity will only continue to rise as the series progresses. But one thing’s for sure: Draymond Green is already shaping up to be the difference-maker, pushing the boundaries and getting under his opponents’ skin while leading the Warriors toward another postseason run.

It’s no surprise that Draymond Green continues to be the heart of the Warriors’ playoff push. He’s not just a defensive anchor; he’s the emotional leader and the player who can turn the tide in a game with his words as much as his actions. His antics with the Rockets show just how much he relishes these high-stakes moments, where every word and gesture counts. As the Warriors look to extend their lead and potentially finish off the Rockets, all eyes will be on Draymond — and with good reason. When he’s in the game, it’s never just about basketball. It’s about everything else that comes with it.