Warriors look to close out Cavs without emotional star Green

OAKLAND » Steve Kerr could have used a little more notice on this one. A heads-up about Draymond Green’s suspension sure would have been preferable and far more convenient for his planning purposes.

“It didn’t happen, so whatever,” Kerr said.

The NBA doesn’t work that way, and Golden State was left to scramble Sunday figuring out a starting lineup and rotation without one of its most animated and highenergy stars on both ends of the floor as the Warriors try to wrap up another championship.

Whether or not Kerr is frustrated by Green’s postseason behavior — he said he is more disappointed for Green not getting to play — there is little time to focus on that now. With the All-Star swingman sitting out Monday’s Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s up to the NBA Coach of the Year and his staff to figure out a way to close out the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second straight title without all of the contributions from Green that Golden State has relied on all along.

“We’re going to come out aggressive and confident, just like we would if Draymond was playing,” MVP Stephen Curry said. “We understand what we’re playing for, and that’s all that matters. So we hope to have a great night, take care of the details of the game. Individual guys step up and play pretty special and have special efforts and come out with a win.”

Kerr’s practice had already started Sunday when general manager Bob Myers called him with the news that Green would be out Game 5 with the suspension, and Kerr soon broke the news to Green and then the team.

In announcing the decision Sunday, the NBA said Green “made unnecessary contact with a retaliatory swipe of his hand to the groin” of LeBron James, who also received a technical retroactively for their tussle in the fourth quarter Friday.