Green, Rondo sure can play the feud

NEW ORLEANS— Rajon Rondo and Draymond Green have won NBA titles and never have been known to shy away from conflict on the court.

Now their combustible convergence in the playoffs is providing a spicy subplot to the Western Conference semifinal series between New Orleans and Golden State.

“We’re here to fight,” Rondo said following New Orleans’ lopsided Game 3 victory that trimmed the Warriors’ series lead to 2-1. “With my guys on the court, I’m going to fight as hard as I can … and do whatever it takes.” Green and Rondo had to be separated after whistles twice in the first three games and they’ll be back at it again in one of two pivotal Game 4s to be played on Sunday. The other pits Houston against Utah in a series that the Rockets lead 2-1.

Rondo had 21 assists in Game 3, while Green nearly had a triple-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. It just so happens they also are re- nowned for their masterful command of psychological gamesmanship.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr calls Green his team’s “heart and soul,” and its “engine.” Kerr also added that the fact Green hasn’t been assessed a technical foul in the post-season is “one of the great stats in this year’s playoffs.”

Green bristled at the notion that he started any of the dustups with Rondo, insinuating that Rondo was the instigator. He asserted that his awareness of Rondo’s intentions is why he hasn’t been suckered into escalations that could result in a technical foul or ejection.

“I’m not an idiot,” Green said. “I can see what they’re trying to accomplish a mile away.”

Green added: “At some point, somebody’s got to tell the truth. It ain’t Draymond this time.”