Draymond Green likely facing another suspension after striking Suns' Jusuf Nurkic
Draymond Green got himself in trouble again.
Just five games after serving a five-game suspension for "forcibly grabbing Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert around the neck," the Golden State Warriors forward was ejected after throwing a wild swing that connected with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic’s head.
Referees reviewed the play and issued Green a Flagrant Foul 2, which results in an automatic ejection.
The incident happened with 8:23 remaining in the third quarter of Phoenix’s 119-116 victory Tuesday. Green had just two points, two rebounds and two assists when he was thrown out with the Warriors leading 65-60.
The Warriors dropped to 10-13 and are in 11th place in the Western Conference.
What do we know about the Green situation?
Will the NBA suspend Draymond Green again?
Green doesn’t like that the NBA takes his history into account when considering punishment, but the league has established that as a criteria when adjudicating on-court incidents.
Given Green’s history and the reckless, unnecessary and forceful swing with his right arm, he is facing another suspension – even if it’s just one game.
The Warriors play at the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday, and any punishment will be announced before that game.
What led to the situation with Green and Nurkic?
Green and Nurkic were jostling for position, and Green said, "He was pulling my hip, and I was swinging away to sell the call. Made contact with him."
Nurkic finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and one steal
What else did Green say about the incident?
Green make no apologies for who he is as a player. However, he was contrite. “I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him. I sell calls with my arms. I don’t fall to sell calls. I’m not a flopper. … I spun away, and unfortunately, I hit him."
Green’s intent and regret may not influence the league's decision, which comes from the office of Joe Dumars, who is the NBA's executive vice president/head of basketball operations .
What did Warriors coach Steve Kerr say?
"We need Draymond," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "He knows that. We've talked to him. He's got to find a way to keep his poise and be out there for his teammates."
What did Suns coach Frank Vogel say?
"Just looked like a reckless and dangerous play. I’m sensitive to our guys getting hit on plays like that," Suns coach Frank Vogel said. "So I didn’t like it, the refs did what they had to do, and the league will do what they have to do."
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