Doric SamMay 1, 2022
Justin Ford/Getty Images

Draymond Green was ejected in the first half of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzles.

Green was called for a foul in the second quarter after grabbing Brandon Clarke by the jersey and making contact with his face. The referees believed that it was enough to throw him out of the game, despite attempts to help him brace for a fall that could have been worse.

NBA players who were watching from home took to social media to voice their reactions.

Trae Young @TheTraeYoung

Can’t officiate the PLAYER officiate the PLAY

Tyrese Haliburton @TyHaliburton22

Man stop it lol

Miles Bridges @MilesBridges

Flagrant 2 😳😳 that’s big for this game

Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee @JaValeMcGee

That flagrant 2 might be majorly detrimental to this warriors team this game…Draymond is a MAJOR part in that system!

Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard

We gotta have better context with these rules man.

James Worthy @JamesWorthy42

Man , things have changed. Back in the day , the foul that @Money23Green committed , would have been 2 frees throws ONLY 😂🤣😅 #NBAPlayoffs

The referees blew their whistles in the first half, causing some to complain that they took the spotlight off the players during a playoff game.

Matt Barnes @Matt_Barnes22

The refs did entirely too much in the 1st half of the Gizz v Warriors game. Horrible calls both ways!! @NBA referees NO ONE CAME TO SEE YOU!! Let the players decide the outcome please.

Thx

J. Michael @ThisIsJMichael

Given the way this game has been officiated, not surprised one bit Draymond got a flagrant 2. My issue with the officials is how they’re handing out fouls like free candy in general.

Steve Popper @StevePopper

As I’ve mentioned. Throw the NBA rule book out and start all over.

The removal of Green from the game has a huge impact on Golden State's rotation. He is a key player on the offense. When Green was out of the lineup, the Warriors went 19-17. It will be up to a rotation of Otto Porter Jr., Juan Toscano-Anderson and Jonathan Kuminga to make up for Green's absence.