OAKLAND – In the past few seasons in which the once-fledgling Golden State Warriors franchise took over the NBA, the fanbase affectionately known as ‘Dub Nation’ has grown at quite the ridiculous rate.
But Monday night in Oakland, the Warriors' legion gained an honorary member of substantial repute: Draymond Green, the suspended forward who'll watch Game 5 from the Oakland A's Oakland Coliseum, which sits next door to Oracle Arena.
Green was banned from Game 5 of the NBA Finals because of an incident with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James in Game 4, when Green’s crotch shot after James stepped over him was deemed worthy of Flagrant One foul discipline a day after Golden State took a 3-1 series lead. Green was intent on becoming the Warriors’ biggest, loudest, most fiery fan as they tried to complete their title defense. But per league rules, he was not allowed to be inside Oracle Arena two hours before tipoff and had to stay out until the game’s end.
So, naturally, the only place to go was the A’s game right next door.
Green, who hit the mute button on all media interviews after the NBA’s decision was handed down, was scheduled to have a suite for some 20 members of his family and friends as the A’s took on the Texas Rangers. The best-case scenario plan from there included a Warriors win and a mad dash over to Oracle to rejoin his teammates for the champagne-drenched celebration.
Green went to the A's game with general manager Bob Myers, retired NFL star and Oakland native Marshawn Lynch, and other friends.
Green’s plans changed a time or two, and the crosstown Giants made him think twice about the evening’s itinerary when they recruited him with free tickets through various social media channels.
“Draymond – we’ve got (you) covered for tonight. They can’t keep you from coming here. #StrengthInNumbers”
Yet despite the fact that the Giants have been more fun for the locals to watch this season (a 38-26 record v. the A’s 26-36 mark), their invite came with an obvious logistical challenge: AT&T Park is 16 miles away from Oracle Arena, meaning Green would miss out on 30 minutes of party time while making his way back across the beautiful Bay Bridge.
Unlike the NBA decision that led to his ill-timed absence, this was an easy call to make.
