Draymond Green Scores 7 Points Off Bench In Grizzlies Game
Green was suspended indefinitely for hitting Suns center Jusuf Nurkić, which caused him to miss 16 games.
With his most recent ban of the season keeping him out for almost a month, Draymond Green made his way back onto the court for the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
Still, the Warriors were unable to win despite his absence. A four-game home losing streak was ended by the Memphis Grizzlies, who stormed ahead in the fourth quarter to win 116-107. Throughout his 23 minutes off the bench, Green ended with seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
After hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the head during a game last month, Green was suspended indefinitely and missed 16 games. After putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock during a furious altercation with the Timberwolves in November, Green was also given a five-game suspension.
Green was formally reinstated earlier this month following a protracted ban, during which he claimed he was on the verge of retirement until Commissioner Adam Silver talked him out of it. He gradually increased his workload during the last week, and on Monday he was finally prepared to return.
Around the halfway point of the first quarter, Green entered the game off the bench. The moment he touched the ball for the first time, FedExForum spectators began to boo him loudly and repeatedly.
It did not appear to disturb Green, though. He instead made a wide-open 3-pointer on his first shot attempt of the game.
The Warriors went on an 11-3 run after that basket, gaining a six-point advantage at the end of the first quarter. Thanks to Stephen Curry‘s 16 points in the first 24 minutes, the Warriors managed to maintain a slim two-point advantage at the break. In the first half, Draymond Green did not attempt another shot.
Additionally, the Warriors led by one point going into the fourth quarter. In the third quarter, Green made two free throws but missed one attempt. The Grizzlies started to gain momentum at that point. Luke Kennard and GG Jackson both made back-to-back 3-pointers to give Memphis a 21-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. After that, the Grizzlies won by just hanging on throughout the last frame to win by nine points.
In the victory, Vince Williams led the Grizzlies with 24 points and seven rebounds. With five rebounds, five assists, and a career-high 23 points from the bench, Jackson was joined by Jaren Jackson Jr. with 18 points. In terms of team 3-pointers made, the Grizzlies had 20 of 54, which was twice as many as the Warriors.
Despite shooting only 3-of-9 from outside the 3-point arc, Curry led the Warriors with 26 points and eight assists. In the end, Andrew Wiggins scored 16 points, while Jonathan Kuminga had 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Collectively, the Warriors committed 19 mistakes.
Without Draymond Green, the Warriors finished 8–8 and had lost three of their previous four games coming into Monday’s match. Green was leading the league in scoring going into the game with an average of 9.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds from 15 games this season.
It’s unknown when Green may return to the starting lineup, but it’s expected to happen soon. The Warriors’ next five-game home stand begins on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, after they play the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
