Stephen Curry showed visible signs of frustration when Draymond Green was ejected in the first quarter of the Warriors’ game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.
Green was thrown out early in the game after a heated exchange with officials over a foul call on Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins.
Initially, referee Ray Acosta issued Green a single technical foul, but the Warriors’ power forward continued to argue vehemently, leading to his expulsion from the game during a crucial period for Golden State’s playoff aspirations.
Curry displayed his dismay on the court, shaking his head in disbelief and appearing teary-eyed. Head coach Steve Kerr offered support by placing his arm around Curry on the sideline.
As his frustration intensified, Curry pulled his jersey over his face in an emotional moment. Later, after sinking a game-sealing three-pointer for his team in the fourth quarter, cameras captured Curry venting his emotions by kicking over a chair on the Warriors’ sideline.
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Wednesday night’s ejection marked Green’s fourth of the season.
Following the game, which the Warriors won 101-93, Curry addressed reporters about Green’s ejection. In a video shared by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Curry emphasized the team’s need for Green’s presence on the court.
“We need him. He knows that. We all know that. So whatever it takes for him to be on the floor and available, that’s what’s gotta happen,” Curry remarked.
Green has had a tumultuous relationship with NBA officials, leading to a rare indefinite suspension earlier in the season for an altercation with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurki?. The NBA cited Green’s “history of unsportsmanlike acts” at the time of his suspension and outlined conditions for his return to play.
During the 2022 playoffs, Green was suspended for stomping on Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis’ chest, and before the start of the 2022 season, he made headlines for a practice altercation where he punched teammate Jordan Poole.
Currently, the Warriors occupy the 10th spot in the Western Conference, necessitating their participation in the NBA’s Play-In Tournament unless they climb the standings in their remaining 10 regular-season games. Their next matchup is against the Charlotte Hornets, where Curry’s father, Dell Curry, serves as a broadcast announcer.
