Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected for the first time in the 2026-27 NBA season during Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns, but his team overcame his absence to secure a 116-113 victory.
Ejection sparks scuffle
Green was tossed after tackling Suns center Khaman Maluach in transition, wrapping him up and throwing him to the ground. Maluach still completed the play for an and-1 basket. Dillon Brooks then confronted Green, leading to a brief scuffle. Green received two technical fouls and an automatic ejection, marking the 31st ejection of his career. He now has three technical fouls this season, tied for the league lead; 16 technicals would trigger a one-game suspension.
Warriors rally behind Curry and Bassey
Without Green, Golden State erased a double-digit second-half deficit. Stephen Curry led the charge with 34 points, while reserve center Charles Bassey provided a crucial spark with 19 points and eight rebounds in just 22 minutes. Bassey's 19 points in 22 minutes matched Green's total of 19 points accumulated over 159 minutes of play this season. Green remains the team's assists leader at 6.3 per game, and the offense continues to revolve around him, Curry, and rookie standout Yaxel Lendeborg, who combine for more than 50 points per game.
Early-season standings
The win improved the Warriors to 5-3 on the season, placing them seventh in the Western Conference as they aim to return to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
