10
Loading video...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Draymond Green was ejected early in the second half of the Golden State Warriors' 116-113 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night following a pair of on-court incidents.
Just two minutes into the third quarter, Green was battling Suns rookie center Khaman Maluach under the rim as Maluach was scoring a layup. A foul was called on Green as Maluach made the basket. However, Green had wrapped his arms around the Suns player and then threw him to the ground after the initial foul was called.
Referees described it as a "throwdown" to the floor, which resulted in one of Green's technical fouls. However, the situation escalated when Maluach's teammate Dillon Brooks rushed over and got in Green's face.
Read More on NBA
Green grabbed Brooks' jersey near his neck, which some described as "choking." Teammates and officials had to break up the on-court altercation, and in the aftermath, Green was ejected for his second technical.
Following the game, Stephen Curry got honest about Green's ejection and what it meant for the Warriors.
More news: LaMelo Ball Makes NBA History With Hot Start for Timberwolves Against Bucks
...
"We know what he brings, and he lit a fire underneath us to respond. Once he goes out, it’s on us to pick up the slack, play competitive basketball, that same toughness. And obviously, like you said, I got going, but it was [Charles Bassey], [De'Anthony Melton], [Brandin Podziemski], [Yaxel Lendeborg], Will Richard just another game where he comes in and is disruptive on defense," Curry said. "By committee, everybody showed up."
The Warriors appeared fired up after Green left the game, outscoring Phoenix 42-36 in the third quarter to take control. They maintained their advantage in the fourth quarter and held on for a three-point victory against a tough Western Conference foe.
Curry finished Monday night's game with 34 points after making 9 of 21 field goals, including knocking down 5 of 13 3-pointers. He also made 11 of 12 free throws in the win.
Podziemski also delivered a 20-point performance, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the win. Golden State has been achieving early success in a season where they're still awaiting the return of Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody to the lineup.
The Warriors are now 5-3 overall, with Green's intense moments and ejection seemingly providing a necessary spark in their latest victory.
More news: Angel Reese Announces Surprising Offseason Plans After WNBA Finals Loss
For more about the Golden State Warriors and the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines