Why did Green do it?
Green defended his actions after the game, saying that he was frustrated by Gobert’s physical play and the lack of calls from the officials. He also claimed that Gobert had provoked him by elbowing him in the face earlier in the game, and that he was trying to protect himself from Gobert’s hold. Green said that he did not intend to hurt Gobert, but rather to send a message that he would not back down from anyone. He also criticized the NBA for being inconsistent in its discipline, citing a similar incident involving Sacramento Kings’ Malik Monk and Green’s teammate Jordan Poole in the regular season, which resulted in a one-game suspension for Monk and a fine for Poole.
How did Gobert react?
Gobert, who suffered bruised ribs and a sore throat from the chokehold, said that he was surprised by Green’s behavior and that he did not expect such a violent act from a fellow professional. He said that he did not hold any grudge against Green, but that he hoped that the NBA would take appropriate action to prevent such incidents from happening again. He also said that he was not intimidated by Green’s antics, and that he would continue to play hard and compete for his team. Gobert, who had 18 points and 15 rebounds in the game, helped the Timberwolves win 112-105 and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
What are the implications?
The suspension of Green is a huge blow for the Warriors, who are already missing star guard Stephen Curry due to a sprained ankle. Green, who averaged 11.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in the regular season, is the team’s leader, playmaker, and defensive anchor. He is also known for his fiery personality and emotional intensity, which often inspire his teammates and energize the crowd. Without him, the Warriors will have to rely on their remaining core of Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and James Wiseman, as well as their bench players, to fill the void and try to overcome the Timberwolves’ young and talented roster, led by Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Gobert.
The suspension of Green also sets a precedent for the NBA, which has been trying to crack down on violent and unsportsmanlike conduct on the court. The league has issued several fines, suspensions, and warnings to players and coaches for various infractions, such as taunting, flopping, and verbal abuse. The league has also implemented new rules to limit the number of non-basketball fouls, such as grabbing, holding, and hacking, that disrupt the flow and quality of the game. The league hopes that these measures will improve the safety, fairness, and entertainment of the game for the players, fans, and media.