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

Draymond Green had a rough evening in the Golden State Warriors' 102-97 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Nonetheless, his team did surpass the point spread. 

Green's disappointing box score — two points, two rebounds, five turnovers, and six fouls in the pivotal Game 3 without Steph Curry — led to the contentious power forward becoming the focus of numerous social media memes depicting him as a Walmart or Popeyes employee, had he not enjoyed the opportunity to spend his entire NBA career with the greatest shooter in basketball history. However, after Green fouled out with 4:38 left in the Western Conference Semifinals match at home in San Francisco, numerous TV viewers observed that he may have alluded to the game's point spread during a timeout. 

With 15 seconds remaining and the Warriors trailing 102-94, the ESPN cameras focused on the Warriors bench where Green appeared to inform his teammates that the pre-game spread was 5.5 points. A few moments later, Jonathan Kuminga hit a meaningless three-pointer with five seconds remaining. The Timberwolves ran down the clock to finish the game with a five-point win. 

To view the video, click here. 

NBA Heartbreaker 

For the numerous gamblers who bet on Minnesota to win by six or more, Kuminga’s meaningless three-point shot was detrimental. BetMGM representative John Ewing stated that 85% of the point spread bets for the Warriors-Wolves game were on Minnesota to cover. 

The ESPN clip displays Green signaling to his Warriors teammates that the point spread stood at 5.5. The Barstool Gambling X account inquired of its followers if there were “any lip readers present?”

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

Another claim is that, “The NBA is manipulated." Period,” following Kuminga's shot that swayed the result in the books’ advantage, at least according to BetMGM. "He's exposing the manipulation," said another commenter from Barstool Gambling. 

Some rejected the claims: “It’s irrelevant. The spread is well-known information. They [Golden State] still need to secure the rebound and make the three-pointer, which they would be attempting regardless. 

Green's sixth and last foul sparked debate, as replays indicated that the foul which led to his benching for the rest of the game might have been unjustified. This led some to think that Green believed his firing was the NBA's method of guaranteeing Minnesota's victory and covering the spread. 

Green Lags Behind 

With Curry out due to a left hamstring injury, Golden State coach Steve Kerr stated that defense would be crucial for securing a 2-1 series advantage. Green, the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team, struggled Saturday night. 

Green concluded Game 3 with only two rebounds and no blocks. While he was on the court for the 29 minutes he participated — his time was restricted due to foul issues — the Warriors were trailing by five points. 

Game 4 takes place on Monday evening in San Francisco. It is improbable that Curry will participate again. As of Sunday afternoon, BetMGM continues to have the Warriors favored by 5.5 points. The moneyline shows Minnesota at -210 and Golden State at +170.