Draymond Green returns to court after missing 16 games

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green returned to the court on Monday after a 16-game absence after being suspended indefinitely by the NBA.

The league reinstated Green on January 3, saying the forward demonstrated a commitment to conforming to the standard of conduct expected from NBA players. However, Green did not make his appearance until his team went against the Memphis Grizzlies in the annual Martin Luther King Day Game.

The Warriors have struggled during Green’s absence and winning eight of 16 games. The team holds an 18-21 record and is currently No. 12 in the Western Conference.

Green was suspended after he struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face during a game on December 12. At that time, he received a Flagrant 2 foul and was ejected from the game in the third quarter.

Earlier this season, he had already been suspended for five games after attacking Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.

The league officials said the punishment was a result of the defender’s “repeated history of unsportsmanlike conduct,” detailing that his attack on Nurkic was Green’s 18th violation, the most among NBA players.

As a part of his return to play, Green needed to participate in counseling. Before he was allowed to return, he met with counselors and representatives from the league, the Warriors organization and the National Basketball Players Association.

Warriors vs Grizzlies highlights

Unfortunately, Green’s presence in the game was not enough to bring the Warriors to win. The Grizzlies took a 116-107 win in the fourth quarter. Green finished the game with seven points, seven rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes.

Green entered with 6:10 left in the first quarter, making his first attempt on a wide-open 3-point shoot. He helped the team lead 29-23 by the end of the first quarter.

However, the Grizzlies started to retaliate in the subsequent sessions, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Luke Kennard and GG Jackson.