Did Draymond Green Reference Golden State Point Spread in NBA Playoffs Game?

Posted on: May 11, 2025, 12:36h. 

Last updated on: May 11, 2025, 12:36h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
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  • NBA fans think Draymond Green referenced the point spread Saturday night
  • The Warriors were down eight when Green seemingly told his teammates the spread was 5.5 points
  • A last-moment three-pointer finished the game 102-97

Draymond Green didn’t have a good night during his Golden State Warriors’ Saturday 102-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, his team did beat the point spread.

Draymond Green point spread Warriors Timberwolves
Draymond Green during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 10, 2025, in San Francisco. Green allegedly referenced the point spread of the game after fouling out in the fourth quarter. (Image: ESPN)

Green’s poor box score — two points and two boards with five turnovers and six fouls during the Warriors’ critical Steph Curry-less Game 3 matchup — resulted in the controversial power forward being the subject of many social media memes showing him dressed as a Walmart and Popeyes employee should he not have had the privilege of spending his entire NBA career alongside the best shooter in hoops history. But after Green fouled out with 4:38 remaining in the Western Conference Semifinals game at home in San Francisco, many television viewers noticed that he might have referenced the game’s point spread during a timeout.

With 15 seconds left and the Warriors down 102-94, the ESPN cameras panned to the Warriors bench where Green seemingly told his teammates the pre-game spread was 5.5 points. Moments later, Jonathan Kuminga made a meaningless three-pointer with five seconds left. The Timberwolves dribbled out the clock to conclude the game with a five-point victory.

To watch the clip, click here.

NBA Bad Beat

For the many bettors who took Minnesota winning by six or more, Kuminga’s pointless three-point basket was costly. BetMGM spokesperson John Ewing reported that 85% of the Warriors-Wolves point spread money was on Minnesota covering.

The ESPN footage shows Green motioning to his fellow Warriors players that the point spread was 5.5. The Barstool Gambling X page asked its followers if there were “any lip readers out there?”

Yeah, it’s crazy. Five and a half. I know they know it. The spread,” answered one follower.

Another alleged, “The NBA is rigged. Period,” after Kuminga’s basket tipped the outcome in the books’ favor, at least for BetMGM. “He’s calling out the rigging,” added another Barstool Gambling commenter.

Others dismissed the allegations: “Doesn’t matter. The spread is public knowledge. They [Golden State] still have to get the rebound and hit the three, which they’d be trying to do anyway.”

Green’s sixth and final foul was controversial, with replays showing that the infraction that sent him to the bench for the remainder of the game was perhaps unwarranted. That prompted some to believe that Green was of the impression that his dismissal was the NBA’s way of ensuring that Minnesota would win and cover the spread.

Green Underperforms 

With Curry sidelined because of a left hamstring, Golden State coach Steve Kerr said defense would be the key to taking a 2-1 series lead. Green, the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member, was ineffective Saturday night.

Green finished Game 3 with just two rebounds and zero blocks. When he was in the game for the 29 minutes he played — his minutes were limited because of foul trouble — the Warriors were down five points.

Game 4 is Monday night in San Francisco. Curry is unlikely to play again. As of Sunday afternoon, BetMGM again has the Warriors being spotted 5.5 points. The moneyline is Minnesota -210 and Golden State +170.