With 4:44 left against the Charlotte Hornets, Draymond Green gave Eric Paschall a missed attempt to give the Golden State Warriors a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. Before the tip-in, the former defensive player of the year reached a 3-point score in time to extend Golden State’s late advantage.
Despite his pair of clutch points, Green’s performance against the Hornets will be remembered for what happened in the final seconds.
Leading the Warriors by two points, with 9.3 seconds left in the competition, LaMelo Ball lined up for a jump ball against Brad Wanamaker. Following the advice. Charlotte quickly requested a timeout, while Green and Gordon Hayward hurried to leave. Upset after Charlotte was given a timeout and possession, Green lost his temper. While the officers were barking, the Golden State striker received a pair of techniques that led to an expulsion.
Along with Green’s exit at the crucial moment, Charlotte received two technical free throws and a chance to steal the contest with the final possession. As the clock ticked, Terry Rozier drilled a faded jumper from the corner to win the game for Charlotte at the buzzer, 102-100.
After the frustrating loss of Golden State to the Hornets, Steve Kerr called Green’s techniques a “terrible mistake.”
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
In the post-game press conference with reporters, Kerr went on to say that Green has crossed the line.
He crossed the line. This is the main thing. We love his passion and energy. We wouldn’t be the team we have without him, but that doesn’t give him permission to cross that line.
Via @usatodaynba on Twitter:
After the match, Paschall told reporters that Green had taken over ownership of his pair of Charlotte techniques.
Green finished the competition with five points in 2-of-7 that drew from the field with seven tables, three assists and two blocks in 32 minutes against the Hornets. Green and the Warriors will have the chance to return on Tuesday with a trip to Madison Square Garden for a battle with the New York Knicks.