Golden State Warriors Draymond Green Faces: Draymond Green was suspended indefinitely by the NBA for a game-time altercation with the Phoenix Suns. In the third quarter, Green spun and accidently smacked Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face. Green was automatically ejected for a flagrant 2 foul. Green, famed for his defense, claimed the touch was inadvertent due to a defensive maneuver when selling a call.
This is Green’s third NBA ejection of the season, adding to his unsportsmanlike behavior. Ejections occurred in a November 11 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and a Rudy Gobert incident. The latter led to a five-game suspension, with the NBA explicitly citing Green’s repeated unsportsmanlike acts as a factor in determining the length.
The recent altercation with Nurkić has raised concerns about Green’s on-court behavior, prompting the NBA to take immediate action. The suspension is effective immediately, and Green will be required to fulfill specific league and team conditions before being eligible to return to play.
Steve Kerr said the Warriors were aware of the situation and stressed Green’s value on the floor. Despite the suspension, the team values Green and urges him to stay calm and help the club succeed.
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In response to the incident, Nurkić expressed confusion and concern about Green’s behavior, stating, “What’s going on with him? I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help.” Nurkić highlighted the non-basketball nature of the altercation, emphasizing his focus on playing the game rather than engaging in confrontations.
The Warriors faced challenges in the absence of Green during the game against the Phoenix Suns. However, standout performances from two-time MVP Steph Curry and rookie Brandon Podziemski helped keep the game competitive. Despite their efforts, the Suns, led by All-Star guard Devin Booker and the returning Bradley Beal, secured the win.
The Suns are 13-10 after the win, while the Warriors, who have had a sluggish start, are 11th in the Western Conference and outside the playoffs.
On Thursday, the Warriors will meet the Los Angeles Clippers without Draymond Green. The team will navigate this period without a key defensive presence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitiveness in a highly competitive NBA season.