Draymond Green Faces Backlash Over Comments About Karl-Anthony Towns' Absence

Green's remarks about Towns missing a game for a funeral have drawn criticism, while Towns and the Knicks focus on their upcoming matchup with the Warriors.

Draymond Green speculated on his podcast that Karl-Anthony Towns skipped a game to avoid Jimmy Butler, despite Towns attending a funeral for a close family friend.
Green's remarks were criticized for being insensitive, and his follow-up response was seen as a nonapology that failed to fully address the situation.
Towns has taken the high road, expressing a focus on winning and dismissing the potential for lingering tension in the rematch against the Warriors.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and players, including Josh Hart, have downplayed the incident, emphasizing their preparations for the game without injured star Jalen Brunson.
The Warriors, bolstered by recent strong performances and the addition of Jimmy Butler, have won six consecutive games, positioning themselves as contenders in the playoff race.