Steve Kerr doesn’t believe Klay Thompson should have been ejected during the Golden State Warriors loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Thompson was one of three players thrown out of the game in the opening minutes. Draymond Green and Jaden McDaniels were the other two.
Speaking to the media after the game, Kerr defended Thompson’s role in the on-court dispute. The Warriors head coach was steadfast in his belief that the veteran wing should have been allowed to remain in the game. He took a softer stance on Green’s involvement although he still shared his support for the veteran forward.
“There’s no way Klay Thompson should have been thrown out of the game,” Kerr said. “No way Klay should have been ejected, that was ridiculous. And, the Draymond piece of it, if you watch the replay, Rudy had his hands on Klay’s neck. And that’s why Draymond went after Rudy. I saw one replay after the incident and guys on the back of the bench were telling us that Rudy had Klay and that’s why Draymond went at Rudy. That’s all I know. But it was a bizarre way to start the game one minute and a half in.”
Green and Thompson’s ejection put the Warriors in a tough spot. Golden State was already missing Steph Curry due to injury, so losing two other members of their starting lineup put pressure on the team’s role players to step into the game and make an impact.
"There's no way Klay Thompson should've been thrown out of the game."
Steve Kerr shares his perspective of the first-quarter skirmish pic.twitter.com/oOgK2utKyk
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2023
Green and Thompson now wait to learn whether they will serve a suspension for their roles in the on-court disruption. After losing four straight games, the Warriors likely hope any potential punishment is minimal.
