Draymond Green defends throw, fires back at Dillon Brooks after ejection

Draymond Green has broken his silence on his ejection during Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns.

He defended the physical play that led to his early exit.

Green also took aim at Suns forward Dillon Brooks, who confronted him after the incident.

The altercation began in the third quarter with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Suns center Khaman Maluach bumped into Green during a play.

Green responded by wrapping Maluach up and throwing him directly to the ground.

Officials immediately stepped in and assessed matching technical fouls on Green and Brooks.

Because Green had already received a technical earlier in the game, the second one triggered an automatic ejection.

Green explained his actions on his podcast, saying the throw was necessary to maintain respect as the anchor of Golden State's defense.

"As a big man and center in this league, if something like that happens, you lose your powers," Green said.

"I guy will try you over and over again."

He continued: "That first play with Maluach, that's happening. You must stand on that type of time as a big man because if you don't, your paint will get ran through cause there's no respect after that."

Green was unequivocal about his decision.

"So that play must happen. The one with Maluach, that's has to happen. I'll take that," he said.

The veteran forward then turned his attention to Dillon Brooks.

Brooks had confronted Green immediately after the takedown, getting in his face and exchanging words.

Green did not hold back in his response.

"You supposed to be this tough guy," Green said on his podcast.

"I don't claim to be a tough guy, I just am who I am."

He added: "I don't claim to be some tough guy but you can't come to a man like you're coming and saying the things you're saying and putting your shoulder into his chest."

This is not the only controversy involving Dillon Brooks this week.

Just two days after the Green incident, Brooks was involved in another heated confrontation — this time with Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.

During Portland's 132-119 home win over the Suns on Wednesday, Brooks appeared to stick his foot near the back of Lillard's left Achilles.

That is the same Achilles Lillard tore in the 2025 playoffs while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The injury sidelined Lillard for the entire 2025-26 season.

This season marks Lillard's return to the court after a year of rehabilitation.

The 36-year-old signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Trail Blazers in the offseason.

He did not suit up for Portland last year while recovering from the tear.

During the Wednesday game, Brooks stepped out of bounds with the ball in the third quarter while being guarded by Lillard.

Brooks hoisted a jumper that did not count because he was out of bounds.

Lillard stuck his hand up despite the whistle, and Brooks came down with his right leg extended.

It appeared his foot struck the lower part of Lillard's left leg.

Lillard immediately turned around and started jawing at Brooks.

A referee had to step in to break up the mini fracas.

For Brooks, this is yet another chapter that adds to his reputation as one of the NBA's chief antagonizers.

Critics of Brooks consider him a dirty player, and incidents like these offer more ammunition to that argument.

Brooks finished the game against Portland with 10 points but posted a minus-29 rating in the loss.

Lillard, meanwhile, tied his season-high with 25 points in the victory.

He is averaging 20.1 points across 29.7 minutes per game through seven contests this season.

His production has helped Portland to a surprising 6-1 start.

While Lillard is no longer the elite player of his earlier 11-year Trail Blazers tenure from 2012 to 2023, he remains a key contributor.

Green's podcast comments have drawn attention because of his willingness to explain — and justify — physical play that many consider excessive.

Under NBA rules, throwing an opponent to the ground can result in a flagrant foul or ejection depending on the severity and intent.

Green has a long history of technical fouls and ejections throughout his career.

He is known for his intense defensive style and vocal leadership on the court.

The Warriors have not publicly commented on the incident beyond the game's officiating report.

Neither the Suns nor Dillon Brooks have responded to Green's podcast remarks as of this writing.

The NBA's league office reviews all ejections and may impose additional fines or suspensions.

No announcement has been made regarding any supplementary discipline for Green or Brooks.