Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green made his return from a 16-game suspension on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 33-year-old had been sidelined since Dec. 12, when he struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face while battling for position during an inbounds pass. He was issued an indefinite suspension by the league, his second ban this season, which ultimately lasted 16 games.
Green, who was on the bench to start Monday’s game, checked in for his first shift early into the opening quarter. He didn’t receive a warm welcome from Grizzlies fans at the FedExForum, as he was loudly booed upon taking the court.
Draymond Green returns to boos in Memphis after missing the Warriors' last 16 games 👀
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 15, 2024
(via @NBCSWarriors)
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Green’s last game came more than a month ago, but he didn’t need long to shake off the rust. He drained his first two shots of the game, including a three-pointer, which he unapologetically celebrated.
DRAYMOND IS BACK.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 15, 2024
pic.twitter.com/ZjQIE8xXll
Golden State went an even 8–8 in Green’s absence and entered Monday’s game with a record of 18–21. The four-time All-Star has missed 21 games due to suspension this season.
Green can likely expect to be booed during the Warriors’ next game on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz as they round out their current road trip. The receptions should be a bit warmer after that, with Golden State returning home for a five-game home stand from Jan. 19-30.
