NBA playoffs 2019: Draymond Green defends Amir Johnson, Joel Embiid after cellphone incident

Warriors star Draymond Green came to the defense of 76ers' Amir Johnson and Joel Embiid after the two were caught on the sideline looking at Johnson's cellphone during Philadelphia's Game 1 loss to the Nets.

The incident caught the NBA world by storm with many reacting on social media, questioning why Johnson would take his phone out in the middle of a playoff game. Johnson was scrolling through his phone late in the fourth quarter when the Sixers were down 16 points, eventually leading to a 111-102 loss.

Green, however, didn't think it was that big of a deal.

Amir Johnson and Embiid Laughing About Text Message While Down pic.twitter.com/rXvh156Xyc

— The Render (@TheRenderNBA) April 13, 2019

One fan wrote on Twitter in response to the video: "If I was a Sixers fan, I'd already be frustrated watching this game. Then I see this? I'd be INFURIATED." But Green responded, saying: "Why? You check your phone at work right?"

Why? You check your phone at work right? https://t.co/NGnzv7Wler

— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 14, 2019

In response to another post on social media, Green wrote: "As if people don’t have their phones at work all the time..."

As if people don’t have their phones at work all the time... https://t.co/x7h0ecSMlt

— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 14, 2019

Embiid explained after the game that he "looked down because (Johnson) said his daughter was extremely sick, and he was checking on her."

The 76ers ended up fining Johnson for "conduct detrimental to the team." Johnson later issued a statement, apologizing for his conduct.

"I apologize for having my phone on the bench in today's game," the statement read. "I take full responsibility and will accept the consequences of my actions. I also apologize to my teammates, the 76ers organization and the fans for the distraction this has caused."