Draymond Green says punching Jordan Poole contributed to Warriors’ playoff exit: ‘We would still be playing’

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The defending champion Golden State Warriors were knocked out of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the second round.

It was the first time the Warriors did not make it to the NBA Finals after making the playoffs since the 2013-14 season, and Draymond Green says he is to blame.

Green made headlines when it was revealed he got into an altercation with teammate Jordan Poole during a practice before the season, but when video of the fight was leaked, it became much more of a story than it originally had been.

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(L-R) Draymond Green #23 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors walk to the bench during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105.  (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Green had been open about the altercation several times throughout the season, but after being eliminated, he now says it played a role into their season being cut short.

"I absolutely think so, because I still think the fact of the matter is it's going to be hard — I don't really think anyone could beat us," Green said in an interview with ESPN. "I know we just lost. I'm not taking anything away from the Los Angeles Lakers. They're competing at a high level, they're a good team."

Green admitted after the incident that there was "five months of…slippage" in the locker room and believes the Warriors would be in the Western Conference Finals had he not punched Poole.

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) is congratulated by forward Draymond Green after scoring against