Pelicans Fan Clashes with Draymond Green in Heated Exchange

Chaos erupted during an NBA matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans, highlighting an intense exchange between Draymond Green and a fan. The incident, which took place on November 16, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, has since drawn considerable attention.

Details of the Incident

During the game, Green faced repetitive jabs from a Pelicans fan, later identified as 35-year-old Sam Green. The fan shouted chants referencing Angel Reese, which aimed to provoke Green after the Warriors player struggled with his shooting that night, ending with 3-of-13 from the floor.

As the banter intensified, both Green and the fan exchanged words, leading to officials stepping in as cameras captured the encounter. Clips of the tension spread across social media, prompting discussions about sportsmanship and fan interaction.

The Fan’s Perspective

In a direct message conversation with OutKick’s Clay Travis, Sam Green shared his side of the story. He clarified that he did not intend any disrespect towards women’s basketball or the player in question. Instead, his comments were meant to rattle Green, whom he described as “an ahole.” He claimed that Green instigated the verbal clash by telling him to “suck his d*” earlier in the game.

• Sam Green is 6’7″ tall and noted that he appeared taller than Draymond in the replays.
• He maintained that his heckling remained clean, with no expletives used.
• Sam expressed he had never previously experienced a player confront him directly.

Draymond Green’s Reaction

Following the game, Draymond Green addressed the altercation, claiming that the initial comment was humorous but became repetitive and offensive. He remarked, “You can’t keep calling me a woman” and emphasized his frustration over the ongoing taunts.

In a later podcast episode, Green elaborated on the exchange, mentioning the escalating nature of the remarks throughout the game.

Conclusion: Tension in the Arena

This incident underscores the often-blurred lines between fans and players during competitive sports. While banter is a part of the game, it also highlights the emotional responses that can arise. Draymond Green, a seasoned player with a history of volatility, found himself embroiled in a verbal exchange that led to a notable moment in a regular season game.

As fans continue to engage, the need for respectful interactions remains paramount, ensuring the excitement of the game does not cross into hostility.