Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green isn't backing down from the confrontation that led to his ejection against the Phoenix Suns. After the heated altercation involving Dillon Brooks, Green explained why he believes protecting his reputation as a physical defender sometimes requires standing his ground.
The incident occurred early in the third quarter of Monday's 116-113 victory at Chase Center. Suns center Khaman Maluach pushed Green to the floor before Green responded by throwing him down, prompting Brooks to intervene.
Green received consecutive technical fouls and was ejected, but his subsequent explanation suggested he viewed the confrontation as a matter of maintaining respect.
“As a center in this league, if something like that happened to you, you kinda like lose your powers,” Green said on his podcast, in remarks shared on X.
“Like a guy just gonna try you over and over again.”
Green argued that failing to respond physically could encourage opponents to challenge a defender repeatedly, potentially undermining his effectiveness around the basket.
“You must stand on that type of time as a big man,” Green added. “If you don't get your paint, get ran through, no rim protection cause there's no respect after that.”
Despite losing Green, Golden State secured its fifth consecutive victory behind stephen curry's 34 points.
Article Continues BelowThe incident also brought renewed attention to Green's disciplinary history. The four-time NBA champion has accumulated numerous technical fouls and ejections throughout his career.
However, the Warriors avoided further complications after an update on Green's potential punishment emerged following the game.
Green's comments make his position clear: Even when his response results in an ejection, he believes maintaining a physical presence is essential to his defensive identity.