How close is Draymond Green to a suspension ahead of Golden State Warriors' game vs Memphis Grizzlies?
Draymond Green is in the danger zone going into the Golden State Warriors' showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies. On the heels of Memphis' Dillon Brooks reaching 16 technical fouls last week, Green sits right on the brink.
With 15 technicals to his name this season, one more would result in the four-time NBA champ being handed an automatic one-game suspension. As the Warriors (34-32) continue to fight for their spot in the Western Conference in hopes of going back-to-back in the NBA Finals, they need Green on the floor.
In second place behind Luka Doncic and Dillon Brooks, who are both tied for first with 16 technicals, Green is walking a fine line.
In addition to being one of the most important pieces in the team's locker room, Green is a floor general. Time and time again, during the regular season and the playoffs, Green has come up big. Whether it's a clutch stop on the defensive end, a hockey assist on offense or a big bucket, his veteran leadership is crucial.
Below you can view highlights from the Golden State Warriors and OKC Thunder game this week.
Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors' season
Despite Draymond Green's leadership, the Warriors' road record sits at a dismal 7-25. While Steph Curry's absence has been a major storyline this season, given the obvious hole he leaves in the team's offense, there's more at play.
Before the season, Green and Jordan Poole were involved in an altercation that resulted in the vet punching the sixth man. The situation saw the Warriors' future put in jeopardy as many questioned whether or not the team would be able to move forward.
While they seemed to put the situation behind them, as coach Steve Kerr recently said, there was some disconnect in OKC on Tuesday. Before halftime, Draymond Green was left wide open, but Jordan Poole missed him.
Clearly frustrated, Green seemed to give up on the play, waving his hand in frustration before walking away. Ultimately, the play resulted in Klay Thompson bobbling a pass and turning the ball over as Green appeared frustrated.
“I felt we were a little disconnected in the first half, several times and so we talked about that at halftime,” Kerr said.
Despite the halftime talk and the return of Steph Curry, the Warriors ultimately lost 137-128. The loss marked their second straight, and they sit in fifth place in a stacked Western Conference.
While the streaking Phoenix Suns (37-29) are three full games ahead of them in the standings, the main concern for the Warriors is not slipping in the standings. With just half-a-game separating them and a play-in tournament spot, every game is a must-win for the Warriors.
Below you can view the play in question between Green and Poole.