Warriors' Draymond Green says he 'deserved' early ejection; Steph Curry responds
Warriors star Draymond Green said he "deserved to get kicked out" of Golden State's 101-93 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night after picking up back-to-back technicals less than four minutes into the game.
"It just can't happen," Green said on "The Draymond Green Show" podcast on Thursday.
"I deserved to get kicked out at that point," he added. "If I’m all the way honest with y'all, I kind of was trying to turn my body and angle it to go toward the bench and I said what I said a little too soon before angling my body to the bench."
Why did Draymond Green get ejected?
Green was ejected with 8:24 remaining in the first quarter of the Warriors' road game against Orlando after picking up two technical fouls as things were tied up 6-6.
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He earned his first technical for arguing with referee Ray Acosta after a foul was called on Stephen Curry as the Magic's Paolo Banchero drove to the cup for a layup. Green continued to argue with Acosta, who walked away from Green at one point. Although Curry and other teammates were at Green's side to make sure he didn't cross the line, he eventually did when he continued jawing with Acosta as he walked toward the bench. Green was called for a second technical and was automatically ejected from the game.
On Thursday, Green acknowledged he needs to remain in the game because the Warriors "need to win games" as the regular season winds down and they fight to remain in play-in contention. Entering Thursday, Golden State is currently in 10th place in the final play-in spot, only one game ahead of the Houston Rockets.
EJECTION: Draymond Green tossed less than four minutes into Golden State Warriors' game Wednesday
What did Stephen Curry say about Draymond Green's ejection?
Curry, who was by Green's side to ensure his teammate did not get tossed, was emotional after the ejection. Curry repeatedly shook his head and put his jersey over his face, appearing to wipe tears from his eyes.
After the win, Curry said the team needs Green to be on the floor.
"All I'll say is we need him. He knows that. We all know that," Curry said after the game. "Whatever it takes to keep him on the floor — him be available — that's what's got to happen, especially at this point in the year."
What did Steve Kerr say about Draymond Green's ejection?
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr agrees with Green – He "deserved" the ejection. When asked if Green's latest incident has affected the trust he has built up with the team, Kerr matter-of-factly responded, "No."
"Too bad. It was unfortunate. He deserved it. He will bounce back," Kerr said after the game. "I'm just proud of the guys for stepping up. Moses (Moody) came off the bench and had a big game for us. ... Gary (Payton II) was fantastic. We had guys step up and that's what it takes."
How many times has Draymond Green been ejected this season?
Green has been ejected four times and suspended two separate times this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He picked up two technicals and was ejected against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 11. He was ejected and suspended five games for putting Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert into a chokehold on Nov. 14. He was ejected and suspended indefinitely for striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face on Dec. 12. Green returned after missing 12 games.
Wednesday's incident with Green follows another altercation on Tuesday in the Warriors' 113-92 win over the Miami Heat. Green got mixed up with the Heat's Patty Mills under the basket during the first quarter of their road matchup and Green wrapped his arm around Mills' neck, pulling him backward. Officials reviewed the footage and determined it was a common foul, not a flagrant one.