Suns' Jusuf Nurkić, Warriors' Draymond Green Criticize Each Other After Chippy Game
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has had an eventful season, to put it mildly.
The four-time All-Star has been suspended twice—once for choking Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert on Nov. 14 and once for elbowing Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić on Dec. 12. The suspensions have cost him 17 of the Warriors' 50 games, and have played a significant role in their lackluster 2024.
On Saturday, Green walked a fine line while playing against Nurkić and the Suns. The two exchanged words after a whistle in the first quarter, only for Golden State guard Klay Thompson to break up the altercation.
After the Warriors' 113–112 win, Nurkić lit into Green.
"It's sad. He didn't learn anything, man," Nurkić said. "Just a matter of time until he hits somebody else again. I take everything back, what I said. He don't deserve a chance."
"It's sad. He didn't learn anything. Just a matter of time until he hits somebody else again. I take back everything I said. He don't deserve a chance."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2024
Jusuf Nurkic on facing Draymond Green ????
(via @DuaneRankin) pic.twitter.com/6NuUPclHno
Green finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in a complete performance, while Nurkić wound up with six points, six rebounds and four assists.
Responding to Nurkić, Green defended his actions.
"If he wants me to walk around quiet like him, I’m never gonna do that. Quiet guys don’t win," Green said. "I thought I was pretty great tonight."
Reporter: “[Jusuf] Nurkic said after the game that he thought your antics tonight proved you didn’t learn anything.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2024
Draymond Green: “If he wants me to walk around quiet like him I’m never gonna do that. Quiet guys don’t win.” ????️
pic.twitter.com/jI9LbZkZK9