As the clock was winding down in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday night for the final NBA Play-In game of 2026, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green left in not-so-shocking fashion.
The star forward was ejected from the game, along with Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker. With Green getting sent back to the locker room for an early exit, he didn’t get an opportunity to catch up with anybody on the Suns following the loss.
Most players might be just fine with that reality. As for Green, he stated that he wished he could have been out there. The multi-time champion sent the Suns–and every other team that beat them–a message on Friday.
Draymond Green Sends A Strong Message To The Phoenix Suns
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors react before a season opening game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
âWeâve been hit with more injuries this season than anything Iâve ever seen. Itâs not quite the ending you want, but it happens,” Green told reporters.
“We whooped on a lot of people for a long time. Once you get whooped, you canât put your head down. You got to take the punches and move forward. We take pride in not being front-runners. Like I said, congratulations to Phoenix. They are moving on to the playoffs. They deserve it. To every other team that kicked our ass this year, they deserved it. Got to take the good with the bad, man. We put our best foot forward at the end of the day. As long as we do that, you got to live with it.”
The Warriors Are Done For The Year
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a defensive stop on Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Chase Center on January 15, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State didn’t stand a chance. The Warriors were dominated from the jump, and ended up losing Friday’s game with a 111-96 loss.
Green checked out after 36 minutes of action. He shot 2-4 from the field, scoring five points. He accounted for six assists, came down with two rebounds, and picked up one steal.
Overall, the Warriors had a disappointing season. They finished the regular season in 10th place in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record.
Although Golden State came up with a big win to eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers, there won’t be a trip to the playoffs. The eighth seed now belongs to the Phoenix Suns, who have a clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder coming up.
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