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, marking the 31st ejection of his career.
The incident occurred when Green took exception to being knocked over by Suns center Khaman Maluach during a transition post-up. Green responded by tackling Maluach, wrapping both arms around him and throwing him to the ground, though Maluach still completed the basket for an and-1. Dillon Brooks then confronted Green, leading to a brief scuffle. Green received two technical fouls and was ejected.
"I was just trying to de-escalate it," Brooks said afterward. "He was just tweaking all game."
Despite Green's absence, the Warriors rallied from a double-digit second-half deficit to win 116-113. Stephen Curry led the way with 34 points, while Charles Bassey provided a huge lift off the bench with 19 points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes. Bassey's 19 points in 22 minutes matched Green's season total of 19 points in 159 minutes of play.
Green currently leads the Warriors in assists at 6.3 per game, and the offense revolves around him alongside Curry and rookie standout Yaxel Lendeborg, who are combining for more than 50 points per game. Green now has three technical fouls this season, tied for the league lead. An automatic one-game suspension triggers at 16 technicals.
The victory improved Golden State to 5-3 on the season, placing them seventh in the Western Conference standings as they aim to return to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
