On Wednesday night, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors received his career-high fourth ejection of the season just minutes into a game against the Orlando Magic.
After chirping with referees repeatedly, Green was issued two technical fouls and headed to the locker room.
His team was still able to pull out a win over the Magic but losing Green hurt.
Stephen Curry spoke about the troubled night after the game, telling Anthony Slater why Green’s ejection was so damaging.
“All I’ll say is we need him. He knows that. We all know that. So whatever it takes for him to be on the floor and available, that’s what’s gotta happen,” Curry said.
Steph Curry on the Draymond Green ejection: “All I’ll say is we need him. He knows that. We all know that. So whatever it takes for him to be on the floor and available, that’s what’s gotta happen.” pic.twitter.com/kgUhktxLOO
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 28, 2024
Following Green’s ejection, Curry was visibly emotional on the court and upset about losing his teammate when he was most needed.
He opened up about that as well, telling ESPN just how crucial this stretch of the season is.
“We know how important this part of the season is in our ability to get into a rhythm and secure a play-in opportunity,” Curry said.
He went on: “We don’t want to give ourselves self-inflicted wounds. We all care. We all are passionate about the game and our chances to have something to play for down the stretch. You give everything you’ve got to this game. That’s the emotion.”
This was the first big blow-up from Green since his lengthy suspension just months ago.
Since then, the Warriors superstar has been commended for the way he has handled himself on the court, not getting too upset and not interacting with other players like he used to.
Although his actions on Wednesday paled in comparison to previous outbursts, it was still alarming, especially since the Warriors are desperately trying to secure a spot in next month’s Play-In Tournament.
Luckily for them, they were able to defeat the Magic, but if they didn’t, Green’s actions would be receiving even more scrutiny.
Curry said that his team has had a hard time finding rhythm all season and the loss of Green only makes that problem worse.
They were able to survive without him on Wednesday but the Warriors don’t want to lose Green again as they keep their sights set on the playoffs.
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