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Golden State Warriors: Concern growing on Draymond Green’s knee injury

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 06, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 06, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors may have emerged from Chase Center with a positive result on Sunday, but the franchise will be sweating on a growing injury worry for defensive leader Draymond Green.

The reigning champions overcame a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-104, doing so minus stars Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Green. The latter was a late omission from the contest as a knee contusion caused him to miss a second-straight game.

A knee problem for Draymond Green is the latest concern for a Golden State Warriors team already battling injury issues late in the season.

Green was questionable on the initial injury report, but was then downgraded to out as head coach Steve Kerr confirmed it had flared up on Sunday morning. The Warrior defense stood up even in his absence, keeping the Timberwolves to just 17 fourth-quarter points as Golden State stormed back to produce a crucial win.

Draymond Green will be vital to the Golden State Warriors’ hopes of securing a playoff berth. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Draymond Green will be vital to the Golden State Warriors’ hopes of securing a playoff berth. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Green has been relatively healthy for the Warriors this season, importantly so given the team’s lack of frontcourt depth and injuries elsewhere. He’s played 53 of a possible 61 games, averaging the highest points of his career since the 2017-18 season. An MRI is likely to determine the extent of Green’s issue, with Golden State facing their most important stretch of the season over the next few weeks.

The 32-year-old missed significant time late last season with a concerning back injury, but returned to play a crucial role in his and the franchise’s fourth championship in eight seasons. The Warriors can’t afford the same absence this season as they battle to simply make the postseason with a current 31-30 record.

Next. Former Golden State Warriors’ center James Wiseman makes first start for Detroit Pistons. dark

Golden State have already been absent two-time MVP Stephen Curry for the last eight games, with the superstar point-guard hopeful of a return at some point in the next fortnight. The franchise is also hoping to regain the recently re-acquired Gary Payton II before the conclusion of the regular season.

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