NBA's punishment shows refs got it wrong in aftermath of Golden State Warriors-Minnesota Timberwolves altercation
On Wednesday night the NBA handed out their punishment in the aftermath of the early altercation between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center on Tuesday.
The league has suspended veteran forward Draymond Green for five games after his chokehold on Timberwolves' big man Rudy Gobert, with the 33-year-old also set to lose $769,970 due to the ban.
The NBA's decision to fine Rudy Gobert for his involvement in the scuffle against the Golden State Warriors shows the officials got it wrong on the night.
In addition to the Green suspension, the league also fined Klay Thompson, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert $25,000 each for their part in the altercation. The issue kicked off when Thompson and McDaniels began tugging at each other's jersey less than two minutes into the game, leading to both being ejected alongside Green.
Some Warrior fans, players and coaches were left frustrated with the referees decision not to punish Gobert on the night, with Green seemingly taking exception to the Frenchman's decision to enter the scuffle and put his hands on Thompson.
Kevon Looney: “I didn’t think Klay should’ve got ejected… I’m surprised Gobert walked away with nothing.”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) November 15, 2023
Clarifying the decision post-game, lead official Tyler Ford said "Gobert was trying to seperate Thompson and McDaniels and was ruled to be a peacemaker." The NBA's decision to fine Gobert seems to suggest that understanding was incorrect.
The league's communication department acknowledged that the incident continued "when Gobert entered the situation and wrapped up Thompson". The seven-foot center claimed after the game that Green was doing "anything to get ejected" because he didn't want to play without injured superstar teammate Stephen Curry.
Gobert and McDaniels were quickly back in action on Wednesday night, with the Timberwolves' seven-game winning streak broken by Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
The Warriors will be without Curry and Green when they host the Oklahoma City at Chase Center on Thursday night, with the Thunder entering having won four of their last five games.