17:27 ET
-
Kendra Andrews ESPN
MEMFIS, Tennessee – Draymond Green was sent off with less than two minutes to go in the first half of the Golden State Warriors’ opening game against the Memphis Grizzlies in their Western Conference semifinals.
When Memphis striker Brandon Clark climbed to score 1:18 in the second quarter, Green initially made contact with Clark’s head as Green swung down, grabbing the collar of Clark’s shirt in the process.
“My hand grabbed his shirt,” Green told Warriors coach Steve Kerr. He then repeated the same message to the referees as they gathered to review the call.
Considered to be a striking 2, Green ran around the court for a few seconds, waving his arms up and down to the crowd and giving five to his teammates. He was greeted with roaring boos. As he left, he waved to the crowd for the last time before walking down the tunnel.
Warriors Guard Stephen Curry told the judges that the dumping was “well … it’s crazy” because Curry, Green and the Warriors expected it to be called blatant.
Green finished the game with six points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block, but the Warriors won 117-116.
Add Comment