Since Draymond Green returned from his last and harshest suspension, in January, the Warriors highlighted the way he managed to keep the flame burning without “crossing the line”. However, a new expulsion made the team’s night.
Green was ejected less than four minutes into the game in Golden State’s win against Orlando Magicper 101 to 93. It all arose from a dispute with referee Ray Acosta, which resulted in consecutive fouls and the end of the night for the “big guy” at 8:24 of the first quarter.
“We need him,” said Stephen Curry after the game, lamenting Green’s new expulsion. On the court, the Warriors star even cried as his teammate was once again sent off.
“He knows that. We all know that. So whatever we need to do to keep him on the court and be available, that’s what has to happen. Especially at this point in the season. It was a complicated way to start the game.”
Green’s actions this season, including a headlock on Rudy Gobert, player of Minnesota Timberwolvesand the blow in Jusuf Nurkic, do Phoenix Sunswere taken into consideration for the two suspensions that Green served.
“We know how important this part of the season is to our ability to get into a rhythm and secure a play-in opportunity,” Curry said of what was going through his head shortly after Green’s departure, when he was spotted taking the jersey. to his face, frustrated.
“We don’t want to get hurt. We all care. We are all passionate about the game and our chances of having something to play for in the future. You give everything you have. That’s the thrill of the game.”
It was Draymond Green’s fourth ejection this season alone. He is the first player to be sent off at least four times in the same calendar since Kevin Durant, in the 2017/18 edition, according to statistics from the ESPN.
The Warriors star is the only athlete in the league’s last 20 seasons to be sent off more than once in the first quarter.
