Green’s technical fouls not a concern, Kerr says
MINNEAPOLIS — Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he isn’t concerned that forward Draymond Green is one technical foul from a one-game suspension.
“It’s about his competitive spirit,” Kerr said before Sunday afternoon’s game against Minnesota. “It’s his drive, his passion. Those things are far more important to me, and maybe he misses one game.”
Late in the second quarter of Friday night’s loss to Portland, Green picked up his leagueleading 15th technical foul after a verbal exchange with a referee. Green later told ESPN that he had told the ref, “That’s two,” referencing two fouls called against him.
NBA rules dictate that a player receives an automatic one-game suspension once he is assessed his 16th technical of the season, with another onegame suspension for every two additional techs. It puts Golden State in a predicament: The Warriors are at their best with Green on the floor, but reining in his bravado risks diminishing his play.
A brash, emotional leader, Green thrives on playing the villain. His competitive nature is fundamental to a team loaded with mild-mannered personalities.
“Draymond is at his best when he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder,” Kerr said. “A subdued Draymond is not an optimum Draymond.”
Injury updates: Andre Iguodala missed Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves with a sprained left wrist.
Iguodala — who has missed Golden State’s past three outings — had no major setback pregame, but the team opted to give him another day of rest. Point guard Quinn Cook, who had a right hand contusion, started, posting four points in 29 minutes.
It was his second straight start with Stephen Curry sidelined by a tweaked right ankle. In Friday night’s loss to Portland, Cook had eight points on 3-for-8 shooting, including 0-for-3 from three-point range.
Center David West, who missed his fourth straight game Sunday with a right arm cyst, returned to the Bay Area on Saturday for treatment and is to meet with a dermatologist. Curry, Patrick McCaw (nondisplaced fracture, left wrist) and Jordan Bell (right ankle sprain) were already in Oakland with team trainer Chelsea Lane.
Nick Young (left hip contusion) and Klay Thompson (right thumb sprain) are listed as probable for Wednesday’s home game against the Lakers.