Warriors-Wolves Clash: Rudy Gobert Criticizes Draymond Green’s ‘Inappropriate Conduct,’ Claims Ejection Was Deliberate
The game took an unexpected turn in Tuesday night’s NBA In-Season Tournament matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves as three players were ejected in the first two minutes of the opening quarter due to a scuffle. The incident began when Warriors’ Klay Thompson and Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels engaged in a jersey-grabbing tussle near the half-court line.
Amidst the chaos, Wolves’ center Rudy Gobert intervened by grabbing Thompson from behind. In response, Warriors’ forward Draymond Green placed his arm around Gobert’s neck, resulting in a prolonged chokehold. Although Thompson, McDaniels, and Green were all ejected, Gobert was absolved of any penalty by officials, who considered him a “peacemaker.”
Several Warriors, including head coach Steve Kerr, disagreed with the officials’ interpretation of Gobert’s role. Kerr argued that Gobert had his hands on Klay’s neck, justifying Green’s involvement.
Gobert, however, asserted that he was attempting to break up the scuffle and criticized Green’s reaction. He suggested that Green deliberately sought ejection, especially with Stephen Curry already sidelined due to a knee injury.
“I went to try to disconnect the situation between Jaden and Klay, and then I just felt someone grabbing me,” Gobert explained post-game. “It’s funny because before the game I was telling myself Steph is not playing, so I know Draymond is going to try to get ejected. Every time Steph doesn’t play, he doesn’t want to play without his guy Steph, so he’s doing anything to get ejected. It’s all good.”
Gobert commended himself for maintaining composure and refraining from escalating the situation. He hoped the league would take appropriate action against what he deemed “clown behavior” on Green’s part.
The Timberwolves secured a 104-101 victory over the Warriors, with Gobert contributing nine points, 13 rebounds, and three blocked shots. In the absence of Thompson, Green, and Curry, the Warriors were led by rookie Brandin Podziemski’s 23 points and center Dario Saric’s 21 points.
Both teams are now awaiting the league’s decision on potential further actions, such as suspensions or fines.
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