The in-season tournament clash between the Warriors and Timberwolves took a tumultuous turn on Tuesday night, with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Jaden McDaniels all getting ejected within the first two minutes. The heated scuffle, triggered by a tussle between McDaniels and Thompson, saw Green putting Minnesota center Rudy Gobert in a headlock.
The Warriors, already grappling with the absence of the injured Stephen Curry, suffered a blow by losing their three key players, culminating in a 104-101 defeat.
Gobert, anticipating ferocious behavior due to Curry’s absence, labeled Green’s actions as “clown behavior.” According to Gobert, Green tends to act out when Curry isn’t playing.
The altercation unfolded early in the game when McDaniels and Thompson became entangled, resulting in a jersey tug-of-war and physical exchanges. As tempers flared, Green intervened by putting Gobert in a headlock. McDaniels and Thompson received two technical fouls each, while Green was slapped with a flagrant foul 2 after a review.
Remarkably, this marked the first game in the past 25 seasons where multiple players were ejected before either team scored, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Draymond Green had Rudy Gobert on a headlock 😳
(via @NBCSWarriors)
pic.twitter.com/3o2EowcytX— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) November 15, 2023
Gobert, emphasizing his role in de-escalating the situation, stated that he avoided escalating matters when Green grabbed him, signaling to the referees that he intended to maintain peace on the court.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr criticized Thompson’s ejection, deeming it ridiculous, and explained Green’s actions as a response to Gobert’s contact with Thompson.
hes been waiting to do this forever pic.twitter.com/b5ZmWzgyWw
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 15, 2023
Minnesota coach Chris Finch supported the ejections, commending the referees for gaining control of the game. While Gobert felt safe during the scuffle, he anticipated league repercussions for Green’s actions, who now faces his second ejection of the season.
The incident adds to the season’s growing list of on-court clashes, underscoring the intensity of competition in the NBA.
