Draymond Green’s Suspension Risk Puts Warriors in Crisis as Curry Recovers

As the Golden State Warriors push through the 2025 NBA Playoffs, forward Draymond Green has found himself at the center of controversy—again. With five technical fouls and two flagrant foul points already on his postseason record, Green stands on the brink of automatic suspensions. Meanwhile, the Warriors are without their franchise cornerstone Stephen Curry, who is nursing a hamstring strain. This article explores how Green’s discipline, or lack thereof, could define the Warriors’ playoff fate.

NBA Playoff Suspension Rules

In the regular season, technical and flagrant fouls are tracked separately. In the playoffs, however, they carry much heavier consequences. A player receives a one-game suspension after accumulating:

• Seven technical fouls

• Four flagrant foul points

After the initial seven technicals, every two additional technicals result in another suspension. These thresholds are intended to prevent repeated unsportsmanlike behavior under postseason pressure.

Draymond’s Disciplinary Record in 2025

Green is currently sitting on:

• 5 technical fouls

• 2 flagrant foul points

He is only two infractions away from triggering suspensions under both disciplinary categories. Given Green’s combative play style and history of postseason outbursts, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Game 7 vs. Rockets: First Red Flag

In a critical Game 7 against the Houston Rockets, Green struck guard Fred VanVleet in the face, earning a technical foul. It was a pivotal moment in an emotionally charged elimination game.

Game 2 vs. Timberwolves: History Repeats

In the second game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Green elbowed center Naz Reid in the head following a whistle. He was assessed his fifth technical foul, moving even closer to suspension. The Warriors went on to lose the game 117–93, tying the series at 1–1.

Impact of Stephen Curry’s Absence

Stephen Curry is sidelined with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He's expected to miss at least one week, which includes Games 3 and 4. Curry’s absence on the floor not only weakens the Warriors’ offense but also removes a key emotional stabilizer for Green.

Behavioral Data Without Curry

• Green is four times more likely to be ejected when Curry is not on the court.

• His technical foul rate increases by 26% without Curry.

The absence of Curry appears to directly influence Green's emotional volatility.

Public and Team Reactions

Green’s Own Words

Following criticism of his Game 2 conduct, Green responded with frustration over how the media portrays him. He called out what he described as the “angry Black man” stereotype and expressed his view that his passion is unfairly policed compared to others.

Steve Kerr’s Coaching Philosophy

Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Green’s emotional style as a double-edged sword. While praising his competitive fire, Kerr emphasized the need for Green to manage his reactions in high-stakes environments.

What's at Stake for the Warriors?

The team is now in a precarious situation:

• Curry remains out for at least one more game.

• Green is two fouls away from suspension.

• The series is tied 1–1 with the Timberwolves showing strong form.

If Green gets suspended, the Warriors could face back-to-back playoff games without two of their most important leaders.

Looking Ahead

The Warriors must:

• Keep Green on the floor by helping him regulate his emotions.

• Get scoring help from Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins.

• Survive at least one more game without Curry.

For Draymond Green, the message is simple: stay sharp, stay available. The fate of Golden State’s playoff run may depend on it.