Draymond Green shares text exchange from Tom Izzo after ‘pouting, frustrated’ Game 2

Draymond Green maintains a strong relationship with Tom Izzo long past their days together at Michigan State. And that includes when Green struggles, like he did during Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

Green and the Golden State Warriors have a 3-0 lead on the Mavericks and can close out the series during Game 4 on Tuesday night. Game 2 was highlighted by foul trouble and a frustrated Green.

“I spent the entire game pouting, frustrated, arguing with the referees,” Green said.

After he watched the game, Izzo texted Green some of his thoughts, which Green read on his podcast, via MLive:

“Day, shaky but you got the job done. In my humble opinion, you all got caught up in the officiating. You’ve got to realize that you’re the leader and many follow. That being said, you hit a big 3-point shot and a couple of big stops were key. They follow your lead, but you’re still up 2-0. Good luck, brother.”

Green said he was appreciative of the feedback in his response.

“Coach, you’re 1,000 percent right. I let my emotions go overboard and the team did follow. I have to be better. But it sure does feel good to win.”

Green said he appreciated the tone of Izzo’s text, which was nicer than some of the messages the two send to one another

“He said it in a very nice way, which is not normal because usually he’ll just tell me ‘You were terrible,’” Green said.

Keith Farner

Keith Farner has written about college football for newspapers and web sites since 2005.