Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green took to social media to criticize New York Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns after the Knicks’ victory over the Denver Nuggets. Green, known for his outspoken personality, specifically questioned Towns’ defensive approach against Nikola Jokić, stating that true champions prioritize mental toughness and defensive pride.
During the game, Towns played aggressive defense on Jokić, holding the reigning MVP to just 17 points. However, Green argued that simply winning a game isn’t enough if a player doesn’t earn the respect of opponents at the highest level. He urged Towns to “sit down and guard,” implying that Towns’ approach lacked the grit needed for championship success.
Green’s remarks sparked debate, as some analysts pointed out that Towns’ strategy had previously worked, including in last year’s playoffs, when the Timberwolves pushed the Nuggets to a seven-game series. Despite this, Green has a history of singling out Towns and other big men, having previously mocked Rudy Gobert during last season’s playoffs.
The criticism also echoes a past exchange between the two, when Towns confidently claimed he would have “changed the game” by the time he retired. Green responded dismissively at the time, further fueling their ongoing rivalry.
Many fans found Green’s comments ironic, given that he posted them just 30 minutes before his own game. Some believe his frequent targeting of Towns is personal rather than objective criticism, as Towns’ defensive efforts against Jokić were largely effective.
Despite the public critique, the Knicks’ victory remains unaffected by Green’s opinion. While the rivalry between Green and Towns continues, the Knicks and Towns will likely focus on maintaining their winning momentum rather than engaging in off-court drama.
