On Monday evening, the Memphis Grizzlies took down the Golden State Warriors in front of a raucous crowd at FedEx Forum. Not only did this game serve as a feel-good win for Taylor Jenkins and company considering it was a primetime MLK Day bout, but it was also a triumph against one of the franchise's most heated rivalries at the moment.
Over the last several seasons, the Warriors and Grizzlies have seen their fair share of battles, coming in both meaningful regular season affairs as well as during deep playoff journeys.
Because of this, there may be some serious feelings of disdain between the two franchises, and, according to Dubs star Draymond Green, these emotions have trickled down into the fanbases, as he revealed during a January 17 episode of The Draymond Green Show that Memphis' loyal followers always make their feelings about him known when he plays in the 38103, and this proved to be the case during their latest matchup.
Draymond Green says Memphis Grizzlies fans 'really hate' him
"They really hate me there and, to be honest, I love it and I love them. I love that they love to hate me. I think it's a very great thing. I think their fans are hilarious and it's always a good time. For me, it's always in good fun, except for when I flipped them the double birds when they cheered when I got injured. That was a fun time in my life."Draymond Green on Grizzlies fans
"They really hate me there, and to be honest ... I love it"
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) January 17, 2024
—@Money23Green speaks to the boo birds in Memphis in a new episode out now: https://t.co/eU5kPr2PAK pic.twitter.com/p5JLdprEVh
Green would close off by highlighting the fact that he enjoys the hate that Grizzlies fans have for him, saying there's "nothing but love for Memphis" and asked them to keep it coming for their faceoffs down the road.
Interestingly enough, this is not the first time within the past week that the power forward has talked fondly about Golden State's rivals, as he specifically heaped praise upon players like GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr., and Jacob Gilyard after being bested by the ball club 116-107 this past Monday.
Perhaps the veteran's recent time off due to suspension has altered his mentality toward the Grizzlies franchise. Regardless of this factor, the Grind City faithful will almost certainly continue to verbally butt heads with the likes of Green moving forward.
Fortunately for him, that's just what he wants!