After the 121 - 116 overtime loss to Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, Golden State Warriors decided to suspend power forward Draymond Green after an altercation with a teammate, small forward Kevin Durant. GSW served a one-game suspension without pay to Green, who wasn't able to play on Tuesday night's game against Atlanta Hawks.
The announcement was made four hours before the team's game vs. the Hawks. According to Bleacher Report, Green failed to overcome his anger and called Durant b---h a few times. The dispute was even taken into the locker room with Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, and DeMarcus Cousins trying to cool them down.
During Monday's game, Green obtained a rebound and Durant asked to pass him the ball. But the former drove the ball to the court instead and failed. The latter was apparently upset, and they traded words at the bench while for waiting for the extra time to set off.
Shams Charania of The Athletic also said that Green also challenged Durant about his forthcoming free agency. Charania added that the Golden State Warriors thought that the 28-year-old Green should rest for one game to cool off.
Green's behavior was deemed irresponsible, although GSW General Manager Bob Myers did not disclose any more information about the player's argument with Durant. It was Myers and Kerr who decided to cool him off for one game, but they believe that they should be fine as GSW has been through a lot, and it's normal for a team.
Green is known for his temper that leads to several technical fouls during his games, but both Myers and Kerr believe in him. In the 2016 NBA Finals, Green was also suspended during the Game 5 loss against The Cavaliers at the Oakland Coliseum.
The NBA star also shouted at Kerr during a game's halftime at Oklahoma City in February 2016. He immediately apologized. In February 2017, Green and Durant yelled at each other during a 109 - 106 overtime loss at Sacramento, where they were seen arguing close to the bench.
Monday night's game was Green's return to the court following a two-game absence after his right foot and toe got hurt.
Both Green and Durant's official Twitter accounts remain silent about the altercation.
Draymond Green, a three-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA All-Star, has received several awards, including the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. He is considered one of the most versatile players in the NBA that has the ability to play and defend in different positions.
In July 2012, Green was signed to play for the Golden State Warriors with a $2.6 million contract.
