Steve Kerr made it clear earlier this season that avoiding ejections for Draymond Green was a priority, especially given the significant impact of his absence on the team. Kerr even said, “Draymond’s gonna get plenty of technicals. As long as he doesn’t get the second one, we’re fine.” Unfortunately, he couldn’t hold to that plan during tonight’s NBA Cup matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, as Green was ejected late in the game. The head coach was visibly frustrated following the incident.
The drama unfolded in the final minutes of the game, with the Warriors comfortably ahead and the result seemingly secured. Dissatisfied with the officiating, Green began voicing his complaints to the referees, earning himself a technical foul. Recognizing the potential risk, Kerr quickly subbed Green out of the game. However, from the bench, Green continued his tirade, which led to a second technical foul and an automatic ejection with just over a minute remaining.
On his way to the locker room, Green was seen mouthing an expletive at the referee. Meanwhile, Kerr looked stunned on the sidelines, clearly unhappy with how the situation was handled. Once the game ended, Kerr confronted the officials, angrily pointing and yelling before players Gary Payton II and Moses Moody stepped in to defuse the situation and ushered him off the court. Even as he made his way to the locker room, Kerr’s frustration was evident, as he continued to express his displeasure.
Though it’s unclear exactly what Kerr was most upset about, the tension was palpable despite the Warriors clinching their third consecutive victory. After the game, Kerr didn’t hold back in his criticism, saying, “The last quarter, the last half was disgusting. I felt bad for our fans having to watch that – what transpired.”
Tensions between the two teams had been brewing throughout the game. Early in the second half, Green hit the floor hard while driving to the basket. As Zach Edey grabbed the loose ball to start a fast break, his foot became entangled with Green’s arms. Replays suggested Green may have intentionally clamped down to prevent an easy scoring opportunity, causing Edey to fall awkwardly. Green was subsequently called for a foul, and the play sparked further animosity.
Postgame, Green reflected on the challenges presented by the Grizzlies’ unique offensive style, describing it as “unconventional.” He elaborated, “To see that for the first time took a little getting used to. But I thought the coaching staff did a great job of preparing us for it.” He added, “In the NBA, most rotations and patterns are pretty similar. What they are doing is like I haven’t seen it,” praising Memphis for their constant rotations and relentless pace.
While the Warriors managed to adapt and secure the win, the dramatic conclusion and Green’s ejection somewhat overshadowed their success. Do you think the controversy detracts from their accomplishment?
