NBA fines Draymond Green for questioning integrity of officials amid betting comment controversy

The NBA has fined Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green $50,000 “for comments questioning integrity of the game officials. The fine stems from Green reportedly saying that the spread of the playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves is 5.5 points.

In Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday, Green was on the bench with 15.2 seconds remaining because he fouled out. As the camera followed Green, he appeared to be speaking to the Timberwolves about the spread.

The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/mO8Ns2r1Of

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 14, 2025

“It’s crazy. Five and a half, I know what they doing,” Green appeared to say, per SFGate. It’s not clear what was said back to him, but Green was asked what he was referencing, to which he said, “Spread.”

The Warriors, who were 5.5-point underdogs in Saturday’s game, lost to the Timberwolves 102-97. Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors shot a three-pointer with 5.2 seconds remaining to cover the spread.

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania was asked about the video on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. “I just see what everyone is — you can pick up through the lip readers all across the internet. I mean, clearly he seems like he’s saying what he’s saying, you know, the five-and-a-half,” Charania said. “First of all, it’s impressive that — I mean, I don’t know, maybe I just don’t even pay attention to it. I know I have no idea what that is. But clearly, Draymond knew in the moment.”

Draymond Green apologizes to reporters after Game 4

The fine comes as Draymond Green and the Warriors are on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs. They are down 3-1 against the Timberwolves after losing Game 4 of the series on Monday. After Game 4, Green spoke to reporters about not speaking to them after Game 3.

“Before I start, I want to apologize to y’all,” Green said, per NBC Sports Bay Area. “I didn’t talk the other day. I was quite a bit frustrated and very careful of — didn’t want to get myself fined, but more so say something and make it sound like an excuse. We struggle and lose, and I didn’t come up here and talk, and I felt like a coward when I got home. So I wanted to apologize to y’all for that.”

Green, 30, has been with the Warriors since 2012. The former Michigan State star has won four NBA titles, was named an All-Star four times and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.