The In-Season Tournament loss of the Golden State Warriors to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night was marred by an early ejection of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green at Chase Center due to a chaotic scuffle.
The scuffle began when Thompson and Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels tangled up after a missed 3-pointer by Anthony Edwards. Minnesota center Rudy Gobert later joined in and was put into a headlock by Green.
Thompson, Green, and McDaniels were all ejected for their involvement, but Gobert was not penalized.
After the game, crew chief Tyler Ford spoke to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater and clarified the decisions made by the officials.
QUESTION: “Why did you eject Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels instead of giving them double technicals?”
FORD: “Both players were involved in an altercation that didn’t dissolve immediately, warranting ejection.”
QUESTION: “Why was Draymond Green assessed a Flagrant 2?”
FORD: “He aggressively put Gobert in a headlock, refusing to let go. This met the standard for a flagrant foul penalty 2.”
QUESTION: “Was there extra discipline for Rudy Gobert or anyone else involved?”
FORD: “Gobert was ruled to be a peacemaker, so no discipline was given. No other unsportsmanlike acts were observed.”
Already without star Steph Curry due to a knee injury, the Warriors lost their next best players early in the game. Despite this, rookie Brandin Podziemski and center Dario Saric almost carried the Warriors to a win but ran out of steam in the final minutes.
Now, the Warriors have to prepare for the possibility of a suspension for Green. Up next for Golden State is a two-game home set with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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