Draymond Green sparks rivalry with Wembanyama
Draymond Green is no stranger to rivalries, but his recent exchange with Victor Wembanyama has ignited a new chapter in competitive banter. On the latest episode of his podcast, Green shared the story of a memorable encounter with the Spurs’ rising star, which unfolded moments before a jaw-dropping dunk attempt that ultimately did not count.
A Heated Exchange
As the game progressed, Green recalled a pivotal moment just before Wembanyama’s dunk was negated by a foul. “Right before the dunk, I blocked his shot,” he explained. The intensity of the moment was palpable as he shot Wembanyama a look that conveyed both challenge and confidence. Wembanyama, undeterred, responded, “What? Huh? You’re too small.”
In a playful yet competitive spirit, Green leaned in closer and shot back, “You little, motherf–ka. You’re too little.” The back-and-forth continued as the Spurs prepared to inbound the ball beneath the Warriors’ basket.
The Dunk That Could Have Been
Green vividly described the ensuing play: “From there, everything else happened in slow motion. I’m fighting for position. He’s fighting for position… He does this spin, but when he spun, he was still in place. He took one step and he’s in front of the rim, catching the lob with the left.” Despite Green’s belief that he could intercept the lob, he soon realized that he was no match for Wembanyama’s remarkable reach and agility.
The referees ultimately ruled a foul on Green during the tussle for position, which meant the dunk would not count. Reflecting on the moment, Green expressed relief, stating, “I’m so f–kin’ happy they called the foul on the floor because … if he dunks that ball and screams in my face like he just did and it counts, I don’t know if we can win that game.”
Competitive Respect
But the rivalry isn’t just about playful taunts. Green also acknowledged the competitive spirit that Wembanyama brings to the court. “By the way, when I told him he’s too little, I said, ‘You f–kin’ scared of me.’ He’s like, ‘What? I ain’t f–kin’ scared. Alright. Watch this.’ And then the play happened.” The exchange encapsulates the heart of competition—where mutual respect coexists with a fierce desire to outdo one another.
In their most recent meetings, Green took on the primary responsibility of guarding Wembanyama, a role he embraced. In two matchups against the Spurs, Green’s defense shone through, limiting Wembanyama to 8-of-21 shooting while forcing six turnovers. “Respect earned,” Green remarked, acknowledging the talent that the young player possesses. He noted, “We all know how special he is, but I think the thing that I’m most impressed about is his work ethic. I know his work ethic is insane because I know how much better he’s gotten since the last time I played him.”
Looking Ahead
The rivalry is set to continue when the Warriors and Spurs meet again on February 11 at Chase Center. With each encounter, the tension and excitement grow. As both players develop and elevate their games, fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling showdown. Get your popcorn ready—this competition is just heating up.
