**SAN FRANCISCO** — Concern was beginning to grow around the NBA after Draymond Green completed seven consecutive Warriors games without being ejected, raising serious questions about whether the veteran had lost a step.
Fortunately, he appears to be finding his rhythm.
Green received his first ejection of the 2026–27 season Monday night against Phoenix, needing just two minutes of the third quarter to collect two technical fouls and remind everyone that his conditioning remains excellent.
After being knocked down by Suns center Khaman Maluach, Green jumped back up, grabbed the rookie, and threw him to the floor.
Dillon Brooks immediately rushed over, apparently offended that someone else was attempting to become the most irritating player on the court.
The two exchanged shoves, Green made contact with Brooks' neck, and officials issued the technical fouls necessary to complete the annual ceremony.
For Green, it was his 23rd regular-season ejection, a remarkable achievement for a player who continues to approach every basketball disagreement like a personal invitation.
League officials can now breathe easier knowing one of the NBA's most dependable traditions has survived another offseason.
The Warriors, meanwhile, responded by defeating Phoenix 116–113 behind Stephen Curry's 34 points, demonstrating that Green's absence remains a surprisingly manageable part of their game plan.
Golden State improved to 5–3, while Green finally got his first early shower of the season.
At 36, questions about his longevity are inevitable.
But with 23 regular-season ejections already on his résumé, Green has proven he still knows exactly when to leave.
Whether anyone asked him to is another matter.
