Draymond Green was ejected from the Warriors’ game against the Magic after arguing with a referee early in the first quarter. Green expressed regret for his actions on his podcast, admitting that he deserved to be kicked out and wishing he had handled the situation differently. This was Green’s fourth ejection of the season, a career-high for the veteran player, and his second ejection in the first quarter of a game this year.
During the game, Green began arguing with referee Ray Acosta after he was called for a foul, and the confrontation escalated when Steph Curry was called for a shooting foul. Green continued to argue with Acosta and was ultimately given a second technical foul, leading to his ejection less than four minutes into the game. Crew chief Mitchell Ervin stated that Green’s ejection came after a prolonged exchange where he directed profane language towards the official.
Despite Green’s ejection, the Warriors went on to win the game against the Magic with a final score of 101-93. Andrew Wiggins led Golden State with 23 points, while Curry and Klay Thompson added 17 and 15 points, respectively. The victory helped the Warriors maintain their position as the 10th seed in the Western Conference, staying ahead of the surging Rockets who have won 10 straight games.
Green acknowledged the need to improve his behavior moving forward, recognizing that his actions were unacceptable and should not be the norm. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that his ejection was an exception rather than a regular occurrence, showing a commitment to bettering his conduct on the court. Green also reflected on the fact that things are never as good or as bad as they seem, maintaining a level-headed approach to the situation.
The ejection marked the first time Green had been thrown out of four games in a single season since Kevin Durant in 2017-18, when Durant was ejected five times. Green’s ejection was a significant event for the Warriors, but the team demonstrated resilience in his absence, coming together to secure the victory against the Magic. Despite the challenges, the Warriors continue to push forward in the Western Conference, aiming to secure a playoff spot as the season progresses. Green’s remorse and willingness to learn from the incident will be crucial as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
Green’s podcast provided a platform for him to express his regret and take responsibility for his actions, offering fans and teammates insight into his perspective on the ejection. His introspective approach and desire to improve reflect a maturity and commitment to personal growth, which will be essential for both his individual performance and the team’s success. As the Warriors continue their season, Green’s leadership and ability to rebound from setbacks will play a crucial role in guiding the team towards their goals in the competitive Western Conference.
