The team of three referees from the Warriors game against the New York Knicks on Thursday made a glaring “mistake” just before the break.
With a minute to go, referee John Butler kicked Draymond Green, who was shouting at teammate James Wiseman after a turn in the attack.
Butler thought Green was yelling at him, although the Warriors had no reason to yell at the referee at the time.
After the Warriors lost 119-104 to the Knicks at the Chase Center, Monte Poole of the NBC Sports Bay Area served as the Pool Reporter and spoke with team boss Ben Taylor. Here’s how the short conversation went:
Poole: “Why did Draymond Green suffer a second technical foul with 1:04 remaining in the second quarter?”
Taylor: “Green received his second technical foul for desecration which was considered to be directed at the referee.”
Poole: “It looks like Warriors coach Steve Kerr and several players were trying to tell you that Draymond was talking to his teammates James Wiseman. Was that the explanation you heard?”
Taylor: “Yes it was.”
Poole: “Did you consider rescinding the second technical foul after hearing their explanation?”
Taylor: “No, we didn’t.”
Understandably, Green was surprised by Taylor’s responses.
Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated spoke to Green, who offered a clear three-word answer.
“Wow. Bold. Privilege,” Green told Spears.
The Warriors are clearly not happy with Green’s ejection, and with good reason. They pleaded their case to the referees without success and, in the end, proved that they were right. Green was not directing his anger at Butler, but at Wiseman.
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We must find out on Friday whether the NBA will cancel the second technical foul and if there is any other consequence of the situation.