With four minutes left in the game and the Warriors trailing 99-90, a free throw went up. As Jordan positioned himself for the rebound, Green jumped onto his back a blatant, intentional foul designed to exploit Jordan’s biggest weakness.
Jordan makes only about half his free throws. Career average: 47.9% from the line this season. By putting himself on Jordan’s back, Green hoped to force a miss, a substitution, or at minimum, give the Warriors a chance to get the ball back.
The Warriors ultimately fell 113-109 to the Pelicans, a shorthanded squad missing several key players. Green finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.
Green’s move wasn’t just funny it was smart basketball. Jordan’s free throw struggles are well-documented, and any opportunity to put him on the line is a strategic win for the defense.
The clip quickly went viral, with fans appreciating Green’s creativity and basketball IQ. It’s the kind of heads-up play that doesn’t show up in box scores but can change the outcome of a game.
Draymond Green has made a Hall of Fame career out of doing things no one else thinks to do. Jumping on an opponent’s back to intentionally foul him? That’s just another Tuesday for the Warriors’ defensive anchor.
Golden State lost the game. But Green won the internet and reminded everyone why his basketball mind is one of the sharpest in the league.