Golden State Warriors' forward Draymond Green was ejected less than four minutes into the game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Green, known for his fiery demeanor on the court, had been chirping at an official after being called for a personal foul. His continued verbal altercation with the official led to two technical fouls and his early exit from the game.
This marked Green's career-high fourth ejection of the season, making him the first player to be ejected at least four times in a season since 2017-18. It was also the second time this season that Green was ejected in the first quarter, a rare occurrence in the past 20 seasons of the NBA.
Despite the ejection, the Warriors managed to secure a 101-93 victory over the Magic. Stephen Curry, the team's star player, expressed the importance of keeping Green on the court for the team's success, especially during this crucial part of the season.
Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr voiced his displeasure with the referees following Green's ejection, while Curry showed visible emotion throughout the game. Curry, who hit a crucial step-back 3-pointer late in the game, displayed his passion for the team's success with his on-court celebrations and gestures.
Green, who did not speak with reporters after the game, took to social media to celebrate the team's victory and express his gratitude to his teammates. Kerr remained supportive of Green, emphasizing the improvements he has made since returning from his previous suspension.
Curry, a long-time teammate of Green, reiterated the importance of controlling emotions on the court and expressed confidence that the team would quickly move on from the incident. Despite the challenges, the Warriors continue to fight for a playoff spot, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.