Veteran forward Draymond Green picked up his 16th technical foul of the season in the second quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers and will therefore miss Friday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks for the Golden State Warriors.
Draymond Green Suspended for Rest of Season After Earning 16th Technical Foul
After Russell Westbrook rebounded the ball after a shot by Clippers center Ivica Zubac, l, Green appeared to throw the ball at Westbrook’s head, drawing a technical foul from the referees.
“I expect something to change,” Green said to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. If what you just said counts as technical, then everything you say on the court does.
After receiving his 16th technical foul, Green will be suspended for the rest of the NBA season, joining Memphis Grizzlies rival Dillon Brooks in that exclusive club.
The four-time NBA champion was assessed 15 technical fouls on February 13. Last week, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters that he was confident Green would avoid picking up his 16th tech of the season.
Kerr said I’ve never said a word to Draymond, and he’s never crossed the line. “He invariably approaches the precipice but never goes any further. I don’t need to tell him how invaluable he is because he already knows. No matter how hard he tries, he knows he won’t be able to land the next one because we need him.”
Green had played in 61 games and averaged 8.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from deep.
The 33-year-old is a key leader for the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and their best defender. The Warriors, who could use a win at any cost at this point in the season, will feel the effects of his absence even for just one game.
With a 36-33 record, the Dubs were tied with the Clippers for fifth place in the Western Conference heading into Wednesday’s game. To avoid a play-in spot, Golden State must win this game and the rest of their remaining games.
Final Thoughts
The article on NBA Updates discusses Draymond Green’s technical foul situation and the potential impact of his suspension on the Golden State Warriors’ playoff hopes. Green’s importance to the team cannot be overstated, as he is a valuable defender and leader. Losing him for even one game could have significant consequences, especially given the team’s current position in the standings.
Green’s coach, Steve Kerr, is confident he won’t get his 16th technical foul of the season, but that remains to be seen. This situation underscores the importance of self-control and discipline on the court, as one technical foul can significantly impact a player and their team.