“It's just gonna be uncomfortable…Draymond didn’t even seem like Draymond last night”- NBA analyst speculates Warriors pretended to be comfortable in the season opener after recent teammate altercation
Although the Golden State Warriors had an opening-night win and celebrated their title, analyst Shannon Sharpe says drama still lurks under the shiny surface.
The Warriors opened with a 123-109 win against the LA Lakers on Tuesday night. Nevertheless, Sharpe believes things have not entirely smoothened out in the Warriors' camp.
Even as the tension in the air was palpable, the Warriors successfully made the ceremony the highlight of the evening. Banner No. 7 was hoisted on the rafters before tipoff.
To the victors go the spoils.
@JasonofBH 💍 https://t.co/EhcoELtqYR
On "Undisputed: Skip and Shannon," when Sharpe was asked what he thought of the team's chemistry, he said:
"It's just gonna be uncomfortable. They're teammates. They understand they have a job to do. Both of these guys (Jordan Poole and Draymond Green) have spoken about being professional and doing that job to the best of their abilities.
"I wasn't listening to the sound, but Draymond didn't even seem like Draymond last night. I think that's one of the reasons they didn't suspend him, because it would have been even more uncomfortable that Draymond wasn't there for the ring ceremony."
.@ShannonSharpe on Draymond, Jordan Poole taking the court together since their punching incident: https://t.co/KuUcbGkU2b
Regardless of all the uncertainties, the Warriors registered their first win. Jordan Poole and Draymond Green did their jobs, with Green setting screens for Poole and JP returning the favor with an assist.
The Warriors won despite recording an average shooting night by their standards. Although Poole was sensational, the veterans (Steph Curry and Klay Thompson) led the charge.
Curry finished with a game-high 33 points while Thompson registered 18. Andrew Wiggins proved himself once again, finishing with 20 points and six rebounds.
Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole weeks before the start of the season
Barely two weeks before the start of the new season, Green punched Poole in the face during practice. Although several former NBA players and pundits have said it was a normal occurrence, the video of the altercation was not pleasing to watch.
The reason for their altercation remains unknown. However, it has been speculated that Poole became arrogant, and Green was not having it. Coach Steve Kerr and their teammates have debunked such rumors. Nonetheless, no member of the organization has spoken about the reason for the fight.
Draymond publicly apologizes for punching Jordan Poole
Since the incident, Green has apologized on different occasions for his role in the altercation. The four-time NBA champ said he was in a bad place and took out his frustration on JP.
Green took some personal time off the team to allow everyone an opportunity to heal. Although questions have been raised about the team's chemistry moving forward, Green believes they are both professionals and would do their job.
Curry has stepped up as a leader and tried to resolve the situation. The all-time 3-point leader has played mediator and tried to make sure both parties sort out their differences.
Many expected Green to be suspended, especially after the video was leaked. However, the Warriors, in consultation with Poole, believed a suspension was not warranted.
The organization said that Green was fined, but the amount was not disclosed. It was also highlighted that Green missing the ring presentation would have been too harsh of a penalty.
With one in the win column, the Warriors are off to a great start in their title-defense journey. They will take on the Denver Nuggets next on Friday.