The altercation between Draymond Green and the Memphis Grizzlies escalated quickly during Wednesday’s game, reigniting the longstanding rivalry between the two teams.
The incident unfolded in the second quarter when Green, defending Salti Aldama, engaged in a heated confrontation after Aldama scored, resulting in Green grabbing Aldama’s jersey. Tensions continued to rise as Green exchanged words with Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and guard Desmond Bane during a stoppage in play.
The situation escalated further when Bane and Green became involved in a shoving match, leading to a full-blown scrum involving players from both teams. In the chaos, Warriors wing Gary Payton II was shoved into Jenkins, causing him to fall to the ground.
The confrontation underscored the intense rivalry between the Warriors and the Grizzlies, despite the absence of key players on both sides and the Grizzlies’ current injury woes. Green’s willingness to engage in physical play and his history with the Grizzlies only added fuel to the fire, resulting in a heated exchange that captured the attention of both teams and fans alike.
Despite the heated exchange between Green and Bane, the situation did not spiral out of control, thanks to the swift intervention of others on the court. Both players received double technical fouls, but neither was ejected, allowing the game to continue without further disruption.
While this incident may seem minor compared to Green’s past behavior, the NBA keeps a close eye on him due to his history of disciplinary issues. Throughout his career, Green has faced six suspensions totaling 25 games, including a significant 16-game suspension earlier in the season for a flagrant foul on Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns.
With the Warriors vying for a playoff spot in a competitive Western Conference, having Green available is crucial for their postseason aspirations. Although this incident did not escalate as some of Green’s previous actions have, the league may still opt to impose discipline given his past infractions. As such, Green’s availability moving forward remains uncertain, pending any potential league rulings.