Feb 2, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) handles the ball during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green left Saturday’s game vs. the Brooklyn Nets after landing awkwardly while defending a shot.
The Golden State Warriors hosted the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday in Kevin Durant’s first game back in the Bay Area since heading to New York in the summer of 2019. While a tribute video was played and pleasantries exchanged, things turned sour for the Warriors in the middle of the game.
In the first half, Warriors forward Draymond Green attempted to defend a 3-point shot from Durant. As Green leaped in the air and extended his arm, he landed awkwardly on his right leg and immediately grabbed at his right knee. After walking off the court under his own power, Warriors fans wondered if Green had suffered a potentially serious injury.
With those individuals expecting the worst, they got a welcome surprise seeing Green return for the start of the second half.
Green avoids injury
After the Warriors experienced an injury-riddled 2019-20 campaign and lost guard Klay Thompson to a torn Achilles this past offseason, the last thing the Warriors needed was another injury. Luckily for them, Green was cleared and ready to finish the pivotal game against Brooklyn.
Entering Saturday night’s game, Green was averaging 5.1 points, 8.0 assists and 5.5 rebounds a night while shooting 35.3 percent from the field. Prior to exiting the game with the knee ailment, Green posted 5 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 17 minutes of playing time.
No need to panic, everyone. Draymond Green is just fine.