Green out as Warriors edge Hawks
OAKLAND, Calif. — Kevin Durant scored 29 points and Klay Thompson added 24 as Golden State held off Atlanta 110-103 on Tuesday night.
The Warriors were without forward Draymond Green, who was suspended one game without pay for conduct detrimental to the team following an altercation a night earlier with Durant, though general manager Bob Myers declined to offer specifics.
“We just felt like this rose to the level of acting the way we did,” Myers said, noting of Green: “He was professional. He loves to play basketball, which is all you can ask of him.”
Green wasn’t at Oracle Arena and didn’t immediately respond to a text message seeking comment.
“I think we’ll be fine,” coach Steve Kerr said. “We’re a team that goes through stuff, just like everybody else. And things happen, bumps in the road. You’ve got to move forward. It’s all part of coaching a team, it’s all part of being on a team. You have to get through the adversity and there are some difficult times and you just get through them.”
In the closing seconds of regulation during Monday’s 121-116 overtime loss on the road to the Clippers, Green secured a rebound and, with Durant calling for the ball, instead dribbled the length of the court into traffic and lost control as the Warriors failed to get a shot off. Durant was shown on camera visibly upset immediately afterward. Then, back on the bench waiting for the extra period to begin, the two traded words.
CAVALIERS 113 HORNETS 89
Jordan Clarkson scored 24 points, Tristan Thompson had 21 rebounds and 11 points, and host Cleveland won for the second time this season.
The Cavaliers (2-11) broke a five-game losing streak.
Kemba Walker, the league’s third-leading scorer, was held to a season-low seven points.
NETS’ LEVERT COULD RETURN THIS SEASON
The Nets said leading scorer Caris LeVert suffered a dislocation of his right foot and no fractures, and he could return this season.
LeVert’s leg appeared to bend in a gruesome manner after he leaped to block a shot Monday at Minnesota.