Draymond Green is facing suspension for five games against his actions in the team’s in-season tournament game against the Minnesota Timberwolves recently.
Warriors teammate Klay Thompson as well as Timberwolves players Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels have each been fined $25,000 for their roles in the incident.
During an early sequence before a single point was scored, Thompson got into a confrontation with McDaniels, which prompted Minnesota center Rudy Gobert to step in and separate them. Green, presumably trying to defend Thompson, grabbed Gobert from behind and wrapped his arm around his neck.
Green held Gobert in the headlock for a prolonged amount of time before eventually letting go, and he was ejected from the game along with Thompson and McDaniels. The Warriors went on to lose 104-101, which was their fourth straight loss.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after the game that he felt Green was simply sticking up for his teammate.
This was the second time Green was ejected from a game this season, as he also was booted from Golden State’s 118-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 11 after receiving a second technical foul for pushing guard Donovan Mitchell.
Known for his fiery personality, Green brings an energy and intensity to the Warriors that only he can provide. It will not be easy for Golden State to replace Green’s production during his suspension.
