“Shockwaves in the NBA as Draymond Green’s Return Ignites Controversial Boos from Fans!

“Shockwaves in the NBA as Draymond Green’s Return Ignites Controversial Boos from Fans!

Green, 33, was banned last month after striking an opponent in the face and has missed the Warriors’ past 16 games.

 

He came off the bench during Tuesday’s visit to Memphis and was jeered by the crowd as he stepped on to court.

 

Green finished with seven points, seven rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes as the Warriors were beaten 116-107.

 

The forward was banned indefinitely for striking Phoenix Suns player Jusuf Nurkic in December – the third time Green had been ejected this season.

 

But his suspension was lifted earlier this month with the NBA saying Green had “completed steps that demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected” although he still missed four more matches.

 

“Draymond played well, played hard. It’s good to have him back,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

 

“Obviously as a team we didn’t play well, but Draymond competed and it’s good to get him back in the fold.”

 

Meanwhile, Joel Embiid returned from three games out injured by scoring 41 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Houston Rockets 124-115.

 

It was the 17th game in a row Embiid has scored 30-plus points while he has now scored 40 or more seven times this season.

 

The 76ers are third in the Eastern Conference but Eastern leaders the Boston Celtics also won again, beating the Toronto Raptors 105-96.

 

Kyrie Irving scored 42 points while Tim Hardaway Jr made nine three-pointers in a 41-point haul as the Dallas Mavericks beat the New Orleans Pelicans 125-120.

 

Elsewhere, Trae Young scored the 10,000th point of his career as the Atlanta Hawks beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-99, the Orlando Magic edged past the New York Knicks 98-94 and the Miami Heat overcame the Brooklyn Nets 96-95 in overtime.

 

The Detroit Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 129-117 for their fourth win of the campaign, the Cleveland Cavaliers eased past the Chicago Bulls 109-91, and the Utah Jazz thrashed the Indiana Pacers 132-105.