NBA Facing Draymond Green Punishment Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 6:02 AM ET

Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors marked their third straight win on Sunday night. They defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-106, to improve to 9-6 on the season.

It was Moses Moody who stole the show in New Orleans, dropping a career-high 32 points on 10-of-16 shooting and 8-of-12 from three-point territory. The 23-year-old shooting guard also added four rebounds, three steals and a block in what turned out to be the best performance of his five-year NBA career.

Green chipped in with eight points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals, a block and two triples in just 25 minutes of play. The former Defensive Player of the Year, however, was involved in an ugly incident with a courtside fan during the game — one that could lead to a potential punishment for the Warriors star.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks on against the LA Clippers. Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Green, who is currently in his 14th year with the Warriors, has been involved in a fan incident in the past. In 2022, the 6-foot-6 forward was fined $25,000 for directing obscene language toward a fan. The altercation transpired during a road game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

Green could be facing another fine if the NBA finds fault with his incident on Sunday night. The four-time All-Star confronted a courtside fan during the game, and a verbal exchange ensued before a game official separated the pair.

Green addressed the incident during his postgame press conference. The Warriors veteran explained why he decided to confront the fan.

“He just kept calling me a woman. It was a good joke at first but you can’t keep calling me a woman,” Green said, via the Associated Press.

“I got four kids and one on the way,” Green added. “Just don’t be disrespectful.”

The fan in question is Sam Green of New Orleans. He spoke to the Associated Press after the game and admitted to heckling Draymond Green. According to Sam Green, the Warriors star “shouted profanity at him and threatened to punch him out.”

The NBA will now investigate this matter. Draymond Green could be in trouble if it is proven that the fan's accusation is valid and if it is determined that he made a threat to the fan. Sam Green, who was warned by ushers but allowed to remain in his seat, could also face punishment if it is established that his behavior violates the NBA Fan Code of Conduct.

For context, Russell Westbrook was fined $25,000 by the NBA in 2019 “for directing profanity and threatening language to a fan.” The two Utah Jazz fans involved in the incident were permanently banned from home games.

Green and the Warriors are off on Monday, but they will be back in action for a back-to-back set on Tuesday and Wednesday. They face the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat, respectively, in consecutive road games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: