Draymond Green was hit with a technical foul less than seven minutes into the Golden State Warriors’ season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 132nd career technical foul of Green’s career, which places him among the top 20 all-time in NBA history, came after a controversial call during the game. The technical foul resulted from a basket interference violation that was missed by the referees, leading to a fiery reaction from Green.
Green, who started the game, was subbed out for Al Horford with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter. While on the bench, the incident occurred when the referees failed to call a violation on the Lakers. Green’s frustration was evident as he was called for the technical foul, a decision that drew considerable attention from fans and analysts alike.
Despite the early penalty, Green continued to play at a high level, contributing seven rebounds, nine assists, and a plus-20 rating in the Warriors’ 119-109 victory. The Lakers, which were missing star player LeBron James, struggled throughout the game, making it easier for the Warriors to secure the win. Green’s performance on the court, despite the early technical foul, showcased his crucial role in the team’s success.
Green has consistently been a top technical foul leader since the 2014-15 season, finishing in the top 10 in each year except one, with three seasons leading the league. His reputation as a fiery player is well known, and this incident is in line with his established behavior on the court. Nevertheless, the Warriors’ victory over the Lakers provided some positive momentum for the season opener.
While the technical foul was a minor setback, Green’s contributions to the team’s success were significant. The Warriors had a strong performance, and the win provided a promising start to the season. As the NBA season progresses, the focus will remain on how Green and his teammates can continue to perform at a high level, while also managing the challenges that come with his on-court intensity.