Tempers Heat Up Between Warriors and Timberwolves
Warriors coach Steve Kerr criticizes Draymond Green for actions leading to suspension
SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr did not hold back in his criticism of forward Draymond Green, who has been suspended for five games due to his recent actions.
“He went too far,” Kerr stated before the Warriors’ game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. “Draymond made a mistake. He knows it. It’s a bad look, and the five-game suspension is well-deserved.”
On Tuesday night, Green was one of three players ejected from the game following a fight in which he grabbed Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
The altercation began when Jaden McDaniels and Klay Thompson got involved in a transition play, and Green initially made contact with Gobert while trying to separate him from Thompson. Coaches and players intervened, separating Green from Gobert and McDaniels from Thompson. After a review, McDaniels and Thompson received two technical fouls each, while Green was given a flagrant foul 2.
“I have no problem with Green trying to separate Rudy from Klay… but he should have let him go,” Kerr expressed. “He held on for too long. It was a terrible image for the league, for Draymond, and for everyone involved.”
The NBA announced Green’s suspension on Wednesday night. In a statement, NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars stated that Green had escalated the on-court altercation “in an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner.” Dumars also mentioned that Green’s history of altercations played a role in the length of the suspension.
“Draymond needs to find a way to stay within the boundaries,” Kerr emphasized. “I’m not talking about ejections or technical fouls; I’m talking about acts of physical violence. That is unacceptable. We need to provide him with the necessary support and assistance. There’s a distinction between being a fierce competitor… but he cannot cross that line. Unfortunately, he crossed it the other night.”
This is Green’s fifth suspension in his career. He was previously suspended for Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs last season for stomping on the chest of Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis. Green was also suspended for Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
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2 Responses
Coach Kerr’s criticism of Draymond Green’s actions showcases the importance of accountability within a team. It is refreshing to see a coach holding his players responsible for their behavior, even if it means a suspension. The Warriors’ success has always relied on unity and discipline, and this incident serves as a reminder of those values.
It’s commendable to see Coach Kerr holding his players accountable for their actions. Discipline and unity are crucial for any team’s success, and Draymond Green’s suspension serves as a reminder that no one is above the rules.