Draymond Green ejected for smacking Suns' Jusuf Nurkic

Field Level Media|published: Wed 13th December, 24:19 2023

Dec 12, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) runs to the locker room after being ejected for a flagrant foul two during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. credits: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected in the third quarter of Tuesday's game at Phoenix for delivering a wild open-hand punch to the face of Suns big man Jusuf Nurkic.

Nurkic was defending Green and had a hand on Green's hip when Green turned and swung and made contact. The blow sent Nurkic down to the floor and an offensive foul was called on Green with 8:23 left in the third quarter.

The three-person officiating crew reviewed video of the play and upgraded the original call to a flagrant foul 2 with referee Brian Forte terming Green's actions as "unnecessary and excessive contact to the face."

Green, a four-time All-Star, has been prone to incidents throughout his career. Last month, he drew a five-game suspension for "forcibly grabbing" Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert around the neck during an altercation.

Green, 33, had two points, two rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes prior to his ejection on Tuesday.

—Field Level Media