“One thing about this league, you’re never done proving who you are until you’re done. Completely finished.” An emotionally-charged Draymond Green confessed to the media at the end of Game 7 vs. the Houston Rockets. Toyota Center witnessed the flames of a veteran hooper who has mastered the art of ‘positionless’ basketball. But now, heading into Round 2, the Golden State Warriors will meet the Minnesota Timberwolves. And, oh boy, that’s a lot of history to wrap your head around!

In November 2023, chaos erupted less than two minutes into a Warriors-Wolves clash. It started with Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels getting tangled up. Then Rudy Gobert stepped in, trying to calm things down. But Draymond Green saw red. He stormed in, locked Gobert in a chokehold, and held on for over five seconds. The result? A five-game suspension. Now, facing Gobert in a full playoff series could be risky business. But Green told The Athletic he is not losing sleep over it.

“I have to keep it similarly (calm) for my guys,” Green said. “Forget anybody else. I’ll be locked in. Finding that balance, finding that line and not crossing it is important for me and this team. I gave them my word, and I’ll continue to give them my word.” Meanwhile, speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the namesake said, “I’ve grown so much as a human being since that moment.” Baron Davis had just hand-gestured to the 35-year-old about his incident with Gobert, but well, Green is way past that phase.

However, BD warned him, “I’m just reminded. We’re not relapsing. And I have to give you credit. I just know you and Rudy Gobert, that’s my matchup. ‘Cause it’s gonna be— I say it’s gonna be some shenanigans. It’s gonna be physicality. Just be careful out there. Because no doubt, people bait.” Baron Davis playfully warned Draymond Green to keep his cool, hinting at the chaos a Gobert matchup might bring. He also acknowledged Draymond’s growth, but teased that with physical play and mind games ahead, the temptation to snap might just lurk within.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s matchup is what the Wolves’ superstar Anthony Edwards has been waiting for. In July 2023, when asked what he was most excited about for the 2023-24 season, Ant didn’t flinch. He wanted a deeper playoff run and a shot at the Warriors. Not just any team, that team.

“Definitely going back to the playoffs,” Edwards said at the time. “And going further in the playoffs—I want to play the Warriors. I want to get to the Warriors. Wherever they at, I want to get to them.” But why the Golden State Warriors in particular? “Because Draymond [Green] talks so much trash. That’s pretty much the only reason,” the prodigy point guard had said.

But that is Ant, fearless, fired up, and always chasing the heat. Now, this video from 2 years ago has gone viral on the internet once again. And the heat has reached its destination, even Draymond isn’t ready to back out (when was he ever?).

Draymond Green sidelines Anthony Edwards’ past words ahead of Round 2

Baron Davis brought up this moment, and Draymond Green confessed, “I laughed when I saw the video again. That’s who Ant-Man is.” The 2017 DPOY also said, “If there are two guys that I think talk that talk, that’s young, it was Ant-Man and Ja. I respect it. It is what it is. I’m looking forward to the series. I think he’s gonna play an obviously huge role for the Timberwolves; I’m gonna play a huge role for us.”  Anthony Edwards should be the one the Warriors should be fearful of. Of course, the other Wolves are going to howl, and loudly, but this 23-year-old? Menace. Even the Lakers failed to control him, which led to their Round 1 exit.

However, Draymond also knows, “this series ain’t about me versus Ant-Man or who can outtalk who. This is about high-level basketball. Who’s going to execute? And, who’s going to have the best game plan? Who’s going to follow that game plan? Stars be stars. That’s what this is about.” Seriously, when has ONLY trash-talking helped in winning games? Besides, Green also exposed the internet’s double-faced nature. “I love how the internet tries to make things like, ‘Oh, it’s Ant-Man versus Draymond,’ but then they also say Draymond is nobody. So I don’t understand how they can be a little confused.”  

Now, with emotions peaking and history simmering, Round 2 is ready to erupt. Anthony Edwards is getting what he asked for. Draymond Green is focused; no time for slip-ups. And Rudy Gobert? He’s not forgetting that chokehold for sure. Words have been said, tempers tested—but now, only basketball will speak.