Draymond Green earned his first ejection of the 2026-27 NBA season on Monday night after a confrontation with Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach. Green took exception to being knocked over by Maluach in transition, tackling him to the ground while Maluach still completed an and-1 basket.
Dillon Brooks then rushed in to confront Green, leading to a brief scuffle. Officials assessed Green two technical fouls and ejected him from the game, which the Golden State Warriors eventually won 116-113.
The ejection marks Green's 31st of his career. He now has three technical fouls this season, tied for the most in the league. A player who reaches 16 technicals in a season receives an automatic one-game suspension.
Without Green, the Warriors overcame a double-digit second-half deficit. Stephen Curry scored 34 points, and 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 equals Green's total of 19 points in 159 minutes of play this season.
Green continues to lead the Warriors in assists at 6.3 per game, and the offense revolves around him with Curry and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg combining for more than 50 points per game.
The victory improves Golden State to 5-3 on the season, placing them seventh in the Western Conference standings as they seek a return to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
