In a heated in-season tournament matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the game took an unexpected turn just minutes in, with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Jaden McDaniels getting ejected. This surprising turn of events left the Warriors, who were already without the injured Stephen Curry, without their three core players and resulted in a 104-101 loss.
The absence of Stephen Curry set the stage for an intense showdown, and Rudy Gobert of the Timberwolves anticipated some fiery behavior, particularly from one player, in Curry’s absence. Gobert expressed his views on Green’s actions, referring to them as “clown behavior” multiple times and suggesting that Green does anything to get ejected whenever Curry isn’t on the court.
The skirmish unfolded just 100 seconds into the game when McDaniels and Thompson got entangled in transition. Thompson held onto McDaniels’ jersey, and as they grappled for position, the situation escalated. McDaniels tore Thompson’s jersey, prompting Thompson to swing his arm at McDaniels. McDaniels explained that he was merely trying to crash for a rebound and defend himself.
As the altercation intensified, Green intervened by putting Gobert in a headlock. Coaches and players intervened, separating McDaniels and Thompson. After a review, McDaniels and Thompson each received two technical fouls, and Green was given a flagrant foul 2.
This game marked a historic moment, being the first in the past 25 seasons where multiple players were ejected before either team scored, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Gobert, who played a role in de-escalating the situation, shared that he raised his hands to avoid any further escalation, emphasizing that he had no intention of getting involved in a fight. In the aftermath, Edwards, a player from the Timberwolves, asserted McDaniels’ innocence by proclaiming, “Slim is not guilty on all counts.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed his dissatisfaction with Thompson’s ejection, deeming it ridiculous. Kerr offered an explanation for Green’s actions, stating that Green went after Rudy Gobert because Gobert had his hands on Klay Thompson’s neck. Both Thompson and Green were unavailable for comment after the game.
Crew chief Tyler Ford, addressing Green’s actions toward Gobert, stated that they were “unnecessary and excessive,” meeting the criteria for a flagrant foul penalty 2. Regarding Gobert’s involvement, Ford mentioned that Gobert was attempting to separate Thompson and McDaniels and was considered a peacemaker. The officials reviewed all other players involved but did not find any other actions to be unsportsmanlike.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch supported the ejections, considering them warranted and commending the referees for gaining control of the game. Despite the physical nature of the game, Finch noted that it wasn’t dangerously out of control.
Gobert, reflecting on the scuffle, did not feel unsafe but expects the NBA to take action against Green for his actions. This marked Green’s second ejection of the season, following an ejection against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.