“New Windmill”: Dwight Howard and the NBA World React to Draymond Green’s Punch to Jusuf Nurkic

Draymond Green picked up yet another ejection. This is a song that we have heard a few times this season. In Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors forward was tossed out early into the third quarter. The ejection resulted from Green hitting Jusuf Nurkic across the face. The two were jostling for a position when Green turned around and clocked Nurkic in the head. Following the altercation, Green was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul, leading to his immediate ejection.

However, per Green, he did not “intend” to hit the Suns’ center. Therefore, his controversial action has drawn mixed reactions from the NBA world, with some praising him for being creative with his punches and others expressing disappointment for his repeated involvement in altercations.

NBA world reacts to Draymond Green-Jusuf Nurkic altercation

Addressing the situation, Dray Magic said that his intention was not to hit Nurkic but to sell a call. Nurkic was grabbing and pulling him by the hip, and Green, in an attempt to wave to the referees to get their attention, ended up smacking Nurkic instead. However, not everyone is convinced by the explanation. Among the people disappointed in Green’s actions was 2x NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas, who wrote, “Draymond trippin cuz smh. Damn!”

On the other hand, NBA Champion Dwight Howard tried to ease the tension with a lighthearted response: “New Windmill gotta love Dray.”

In Green’s absence, the Warriors dropped to 11th place in the West after narrowly losing to the Suns in a 116-119 loss, marking their sixth straight loss on the road. However, this is not the first time Green’s actions have cost the Warriors a win. This season alone, the Warriors are 3-5 (including injuries) without Green in the lineup. Let’s take a look back at all the times Green has been ejected this season.

Green’s ejection history this season

What happened Tuesday night was Green’s third ejection this season and 19th overall, the highest among any active member in the league. His first ejection of the season was on November 11 after he picked up two technical fouls during the team’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Notably, his second technical foul, responsible for his rejection, was given after he shoved Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell out of bounds.

Read More: “That’s How We’re Built. It’s Not a Secret”: Stephen Curry Feels Helpless Amid Draymond Green Antics

The second incident happened during the Warriors’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 15, when Green held Rudy Gobert in a chokehold for a tense five-seven seconds. The league then suspended him for five games due to his “history of unsportsmanlike acts.”

However, with another ejection, it remains to be seen what steps the league might take in response to Green’s behavior.

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