"Pure, unadulterated hatred" - NBA fans react after Draymond Green sizes up old foe Rudy Gobert for game-sealing slam dunk

The Golden State Warriors pulled off a thrilling win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday and it was Draymond Green's turn to play the role of hero. Green put on an intense display and provided the fans with some entertainment when he challenged Rudy Gobert late in the game and threw down a thunderous dunk. After sealing the game, he even dropped Steph Curry's iconic "night-night" celebration.

Facing his rival Gobert seems to awaken Green, and the forward did not hold back in the final stages of the game. With the Warriors holding onto a 112-106 lead in the final minute, Green sized up his opponent at the top of the key. He drove past the four-time Defensive Player of the Year and finished strong to send the crowd into a frenzy.

The powerful finish from Green over his old foe caused a strong reaction from basketball fans on social media. Many were thrilled to see another edition of the Green versus Gobert battle, and the strong message that followed from the Warriors' star.

"This is not skill, this is not athleticism, this is not coordination - this is pure, unadulterated hatred and pettiness fueled basketball," said a fan.

"He obviously did that celebration for Gobert," said one fan.

"Draymond hates this man so much he turned into Michael Jordan on him," commented another fan.

"All time entertainer we’ll tell our grandkids about," said one fan.

"That was hard ngl, bro channeled Kobe here with the between the legs and the hard dunk from the side," said a fan.

"We love this and need more of this!" Commented a fan.

Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert have competed against each other for years, but the rivalry really started to heat up last year after they were involved in a tussle on the court. In a game that took place on Nov. 14, 2023, Green charged down the court and put Gobert in the headlock. Following the incident, the Warriors' big man received a five-game suspension. Green later claimed he had no regrets as he was defending a teammate.

Green has also been critical of Gobert on his podcast, calling out the Timberwolves All-Star on several occasions for his play on the court.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr comments on Draymond Green's "night-night" celebration

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green walks past head coach Steve Kerr after fouling out at Crypto.com Arena. Photo Credit: Imagn

Draymond Green and his teammates put on a strong performance against the Timberwolves at the Chase Center to record their 14th win of the season. Head coach Steve Kerr would have been relieved to see his team secure a victory after a dismal run that saw Golden State win just one of their last six games coming into Sunday's encounter.

Following the game, Kerr was asked about Draymond Green's version of Steph Curry's famous "night-night" celebration and provided a comical response.

"He's no Steph Curry, but it was a decent impersonation, and I appreciate the passion behind it," said Kerr.

The win improves the Warriors to 14-9 and they are currently fifth in the Western Conference standings. Kerr's team will now face a tricky three-game road trip that includes the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and another game against the Timberwolves.