SAN FRANCISCO — After their fifth consecutive loss, the Warriors locker room was jarringly empty. No bowed heads and brooding moods to be found. No sulking. No visible signs of frustration. No people. Nearly an hour after their latest Chase Center thud, a 128-109 drubbing Thursday at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, most of the players were on the practice court.
An unofficial players meeting seemed to be taking place, enough for the Warriors to close the view of their weight room and practice court with a black curtain. But balls were bouncing. Weights were clanking. Music was playing. And a collection of players were huddled on the court. In the middle was Stephen Curry, his yellow hoodie easy to spot. Chris Paul was in it. Jonathan Kuminga. Gary Payton II, one of the few already fully dressed.
In times like these for the Warriors, one of the best people to hear from is Kevon Looney, who keeps it realer than a hundred-dollar bill with the line across.
“I wouldn’t say I’m worried,” Looney said, pausing at his locker before pulling his shirt over his head. “Ahhh, I guess you can say worried a little bit because you can’t be losing games like this at home. I think we’ve got enough to be good but we‘ve got to figure it out.”
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Sources in the locker room said Green apologized and displayed contrition. He told the team his intentions were pure — protecting his teammate — but he took it too far.
“It’s something we are working hard on behind the scenes,” coach Steve Kerr said. “Draymond has to find a way to not cross the line. And I’m not talking about getting an ejection or getting a technical, I’m talking about a physical act of violence. That’s inexcusable. We have to do everything we can to give him the help and assistance he needs to draw that distinction.”
Changed man. This will never happen again. I expect him to never take it too far ever again.