golden state draymond Green was ejected less than four minutes into the Warriors' game. Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic was the forward's fourth ejection of the season.
It was Green's first ejection since he was suspended 16 games by the NBA for a history of misconduct. Attacked Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic. He suffered a facial injury during a game on December 12th.
“It's disappointing. He deserved it,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after Golden State defeated the Magic 101-93. “And he will bounce back.”
On Wednesday, with 8:24 left in the first quarter, Green got into an argument with referee Ron Acosta after teammate Andrew Wiggins was called for a foul. Magic forward Paolo Banchero made a layup on the play and added a free throw.
Green was called for two technical fouls in quick succession and was automatically ejected.
Crew chief Mitchell Irvin said: “After an extended period of abuse, Green directed severe profanity at the game officials.''
Irvin said Green's background did not influence his decision to eject the player.
The Warriors continued their second-best defensive quarter of the season, holding the Magic to 3-for-22 shooting and 11 points.
Stephen Curry was visibly upset when Green was ejected.
“But it was a great team effort to respond the way we did,” Curry said. “We went and accepted it, and that bodes well for us.”
Curry said the Warriors, who are trying to maintain a play-in spot with 10 games left in the regular season, “don't want to take on the hurt that they inflicted on themselves.”
“We need him. He knows that. We all know that, so whatever it takes to keep him on the floor, make sure he's available.” That's what has to happen, especially at this time of year,” Curry said. “I've talked to him about it many times, including tonight, and I'll continue to talk to him as a teammate and friend.”
___
APNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
