Willard: I'm impressed by emotional growth of Draymond Green

Draymond Green picked up his eighth technical foul of the season Wednesday night, in the Warriors' 131-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

It came after a momentary clash with Grizzlies wing Santi Aldama, after which head coach Taylor Jenkins discussed the play with referees. A scrum formed, and Green and Desmond Bane put hands on each other. Eventually, Jenkins fell, coming up limping.

But the fact that Green did not implode impressed Mark Willard. Willard said he's seen growth from the Warriors forward on Thursday, joined by F.P. Santangelo.

"I really, really, really am impressed," Willard said of Green's growth.

He said he saw players on the Grizzlies "trying to get Draymond to implode," which he did not blame them for. Green, he said, kept his edge without going over it.

"And I am watching the growth of Draymond Green on the television in terms of how he handles that, to still be that dude, and still not take any stuff, but also stop himself before it turns to blows or guys getting kicked in the you-know-whats," Willard said.

"And therefore, if it's a technical? Cool, it's a technical. Off we go, next play, inbounds the ball. And I've seen him do it a few times."

He referenced Green getting shoved in the back by Aldama, then Green putting an arm out and holding onto Aldama's jersey and shaking his head. Willard said that was notable.

"I may be making up a story," Willard said. "But to me, I translate that to mean, I'm looking at you, Aldama, and going, 'Nope, you're not going to get me. You're not going to get me to implode. Stop shoving me, and let's go to the other end of the court.' Bravo."