With 4:44 remaining against the Charlotte Hornets, Draymond Green tipped in a missed attempt from Eric Paschall to give the Golden State Warriors a 10 point lead with the fourth quarter winding down. Prior to his tip-in, the former Defensive Player of the Year hit a timely 3-pointer to extend Golden State’s late lead.
Despite his pair of clutch points, Green’s performance against the Hornets will be remembered for what happened in the final seconds.
With the Warriors leading by two points with 9.3 seconds remaining in the contest, LaMelo Ball lined up for a jump ball against Brad Wanamaker. Following the tip. Charlotte quickly called a timeout as Green and Gordon Hayward scrambled for the loose ball. Upset after Charlotte was awarded a timeout and possession, Green lost his cool. While barking at the officials, the Golden State forward received a pair of technicals leading to an ejection.
Along with Green’s exit from the game at a crucial time, Charlotte received two technical free throws and a chance to steal the contest with the final possession. As the clock ran down, Terry Rozier drilled a fading jumper from the corner to win the game for Charlotte at the buzzer, 102-100.
Following Golden State’s frustrating loss to the Hornets, Steve Kerr called Green’s technicals “a terrible mistake.”
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
In his postgame press conference with reporters, Kerr went on to say Green crossed the line.
He crossed the line. That’s the main thing. We love his passion and his energy. We would not be the team we are without him, but that doesn’t give him the license to cross that line.
Via @usatodaynba on Twitter:
After the game, Paschall told reporters Green took ownership of his pair of technicals in Charlotte.
Green finished the contest 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 bounce back on Tuesday with a trip to Madison Square Garden for a battle with the New York Knicks.