UPDATE: Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected just minutes into the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns on January 6, 2024, after receiving back-to-back technical fouls. This shocking development occurred with 10:39 left in the quarter, leaving the Warriors without their defensive anchor for the remainder of the game.
Green’s ejection stemmed from a heated exchange with Suns guard Collin Gillespie. Following a block on Gillespie’s shot, the two players engaged in a verbal confrontation as they moved up the court. The situation escalated quickly when Green barreled into Gillespie, prompting referee Pat Fraher to issue the first technical foul. Frustrated with the call, Green mimicked the technical signal and confronted Fraher, leading to his second technical foul just moments later.
The Warriors were down 48-38 at the time of the ejection, struggling with their performance as they faced their ninth loss in the last fourteen games. This marks Green’s first ejection this season and the 21st of his career, raising concerns about team dynamics and leadership as they battle for playoff positioning.
Without Green, the Warriors will need to rally to overcome the absence of their starting power forward. His ejection not only affects the game against the Suns but could also have lingering impacts on the team’s morale and strategy moving forward. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how Golden State adapts in his absence.
As the game progresses, all eyes will be on the Warriors to see if they can recover from this setback and find a way to secure a crucial win. The urgency of the moment is palpable, as the team seeks to end its recent struggles and regain momentum in the 2024 NBA season.
