With 4:44 remaining against Charlotte Hornets, Draymond tipped Green in a missed attempt by Eric Paschall to give Golden State Warriors a 10-point lead as the fourth quarter wound down. Prior to his tip, the former Defensive Player of the Year hit a timely 3-pointer to extend Golden State’s late lead.
Despite his few clutch points, Green’s performance against the Hornets will be remembered for what happened in the closing seconds.
With the Warriors leading two points and 9.3 seconds remaining in the game, LaMelo Ball lined up for a jump ball against Brad Wanamaker. After the tip. Charlotte quickly called time out when Green and Gordon Hayward rushed to the loose ball. Upset after Charlotte was given a timeout and possession of the ball, Green lost his cool. While barking at the officials, the Golden State attacker received a few techniques that led to a throwout.
Along with leaving Green out of the game at a critical moment, Charlotte received two technical free throws and a chance to steal the game with the last possession. As the clock ran out, Terry Rozier drilled a fading jumper from the corner to win the game for Charlotte at the buzzer, 102-100.
After Golden State’s frustrating loss to the Hornets, Steve Kerr called Green’s technical stuff “a terrible mistake.”
Through @anthonyvslater on Twitter:
In his post-game press conference with reporters, Kerr went on to say that Green crossed the line.
He crossed the border. That is the most important. We love his passion and his energy. Without him, we wouldn’t be the team we are, but that doesn’t give him the license to cross that line.
Through @jochemmyjer on Twitter:
After the game, Paschall told reporters that Green was taking ownership of his pair of technicals in Charlotte.
Green finished the game with five points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field with seven boards, three assists and two blocks in 32 minutes against the Hornets. Green and the Warriors will have the chance to jump back on Tuesday with a trip to Madison Square Garden for a fight with the New York Knicks.