Draymond Green Ejected Early in Warriors-Suns Clash as Frustrations Boil Over
SAN FRANCISCO - Draymond Green’s emotions got the best of him again on Saturday night, and this time it cost him an early exit.
The Warriors forward was ejected just minutes into the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns after picking up two quick technical fouls - a sequence that felt like the culmination of a frustrating stretch for both Green and Golden State.
It started with a physical exchange under the basket between Green and Suns guard Collin Gillespie. As they made their way back up the floor, words were exchanged, and Green gave Gillespie a shove that drew the first technical.
That alone might’ve been manageable. But Green didn’t let it go.
As teammates and security tried to intervene, Green continued jawing at the officials, clearly unhappy with the call. That’s when official Pat Fraher hit him with a second technical - and just like that, Green was tossed.
He lingered on the court for a few more heated moments before heading to the locker room, visibly frustrated.
This wasn’t just about one play. Green has been trying to find his footing since returning to the lineup last Sunday in a loss to Portland.
He’d missed time due to a foot issue and a team-excused absence, and the rust has shown. Over his last three games, he’s turned the ball over 14 times - an uncharacteristic number for a player known for his basketball IQ and decision-making.
The timing of this ejection couldn’t have been worse for a Warriors team still searching for consistency. Green’s energy and edge have always been part of what fuels Golden State, but there’s a fine line between passion and disruption - and on Saturday night, he crossed it.
With the season grinding into its midsection and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, the Warriors need Green locked in - not locked out.