A shoving match between Draymond Green and Desmond Bane led to a bigger mess during the second quarter as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 137-116.
This was the last trade Green participated in this season, although it was much less controversial than previous instances.
Watch an average of 9 NBA regular season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available through Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
The whole brawl started after an exchange between Green and Santi Aldama under the basket, which led Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins to attempt to talk to a referee during the next stoppage in play.
Green got too close to Jenkins for Bane’s liking and tried to push him away, which further inflamed the drama and led to the Warriors’ Gary Payton II attempting to pull Green away as other players and officials attempted to put yourself in the middle of the situation. .
At one point, Payton and Green were pushed toward Jenkins, who had his back turned while reconnecting with the referee, sending the Memphis coach to the floor.
Green and Bane were each technically evaluated, and things calmed down from there.
The two were even seen shaking hands moments later as a sign of mutual respect.
MORE COVERAGE
‘He’s a special, special player’: Australian appears ‘huge’ as NBA ‘resurrection’ continues
NBA superstars galore as baby boomers lured into ‘Group of Death’ in Australian medal quest
It’s been an interesting season to say the least for Green, who has been suspended twice this year for physical altercations on the field.
In November, he was banned by the league for putting the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert in a headlock.
In December, he was suspended indefinitely by the NBA after hitting the Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic with a backfist.
The NBA cited its “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” as the reason behind the heavy ban.
Green entered Wednesday night’s game averaging 8.8 points per game, 7.1 assists and 6.0 assists.
This story was originally published on the New York Post and has been republished with permission
Jayson Tatum scored 31 points as the Boston Celtics held off a late fightback from the Milwaukee Bucks to win 122-119 in their clash at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Boston appeared to be headed for its seventh straight victory after dominating Milwaukee for long stretches at TD Garden.
Exploiting the absence of injured Bucks talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Celtics took a 21-point lead late in the third quarter after Milwaukee pulled within five just after halftime.
But a blistering fourth-quarter performance from Milwaukee – who outscored the Celtics 36-21 in the final quarter – set up a heartbreaking finale before Boston headed home.
“It was ugly,” Tatum admitted.
“We didn’t play the way we wanted to in the fourth quarter, and they ran.
“No track is safe in the NBA. But a win is a win and we’ll take it.
Boston improved to 55-14 with the victory, leaving them 11 games ahead of the second-place Bucks.
The Celtics now need just three more wins to ensure a top seed and home-court advantage heading into the playoffs.
Even accounting for the fourth-quarter wobble, few would bet against them returning to the NBA Finals in June after a performance that once again showcased their balanced attack.
Five Boston players finished with double-digit point totals, including Derrick White (23), Jaylen Brown (21) and Kristaps Porzingis (17). Payton Pritchard added 19 off the bench.
“We have a really complete team,” Tatum told ESPN.
“We’ve played really well all season, but we still have a long way to go,” Tatum said.
“I like the way we’re growing, but we’re just focused on getting better every day.
“We’re not looking at the playoffs. We have a game Friday against Detroit – and that’s the mindset we need to have.
In Antetokounmpo’s absence, Milwaukee’s challenge was led by Damian Lillard, who finished with 32 points while Bobby Portis added 24 coming off the bench.
In other games on Wednesday, Kevin Durant passed Shaquille O’Neal to move into eighth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring leaderboard as the Phoenix Suns beat the Philadelphia 76ers 115-102.
Durant, eight points behind O’Neal’s pregame total of 28,596 points, hit a jump shot in the third quarter to pass the former Los Angeles Lakers icon.
“Well deserved,” O’Neal said in a video message to Durant. “It doesn’t stop there… If anyone were to surpass me, it would definitely be you.” Durant finished the night with 22 points, while Grayson Allen led the Suns with 32 points, including nine three-pointers.
In Cleveland, the Miami Heat produced a stunning finale to edge the Cavaliers 107-104.
Miami led for most of the game, but Cleveland took a four-point lead with 1 minute, 34 seconds left in the fourth.
The Heat’s Terry Rozier scored nine points in the closing stages, including a crucial 26-foot three-pointer with 15 seconds left to give Miami the lead again and bring the visitors home.
Rozier finished with 24 points while Jimmy Butler led Miami’s scorers with 30. “That’s the most important thing, getting the win,” Rozier said. “My teammates and coaches do a great job reminding me every day, night and night, of who I am and just to be that. Happy to have won. Miami improved to 38-31 with the win and sits in seventh place in the East. Cleveland remains third in the standings with 43-26.
The Sacramento Kings beat the Toronto Raptors 123-89, while the Indiana Pacers beat Detroit 122-103.
Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City beat the Utah Jazz 119-107, with Chet Holmgren (35) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31) combining for 66 points.
FULL NBA RESULTS
Riders 104-107 Heat
Pistons 103-122 Pacers
Celtics $122-119
Raptors 89-123 kings
Thunder 119-107 Jazz
Suns 115-102 Sixers
TrailBlazers 103-116 Clippers
Warriors 137-116 Grizzlies
