Jusuf Nurkic on Draymond Green punch: 'That brother needs help' / News - Basketnews.com

Jusuf Nurkic voices concern over Draymond Green, says recent incident goes beyond basketball: "I'm glad he didn't try to choke me."

Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix

During Tuesday night's game, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected after an altercation with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Jusuf Nurkic Points 17 Accuracy 3-9 Rebounds 13 Assists 7

The incident unfolded as they jostled for position during an in-bounds play, with Green delivering a forceful right-hand swing to Nurkic's face, specifically landing a slap in the ear area.

After the Suns secured a 119-116 victory, Nurkic shared his thoughts on the incident, expressing concern for Green's behavior.

"What's going on with him? I don't know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help," Nurkic said. "I'm glad he didn't try to choke me. At the same time, it ain't nothing to do with basketball.

"I'm just there to play basketball and [he is] out there swinging. I think we saw that often, but I hope whatever he got in his life gets better."

Nurkic referred to the infamous choke on Rudy Gobert that resulted in a five-game suspension for Green. Only two weeks had passed since Green's return from that punishment.

According to Kendra Andrews of ESPN, Green countered Nurkic's perspective by claiming that the Bosnian player had been grabbing his hip, and he was attempting to sell the call when his hand made contact with Nurkic's face.

Despite not apologizing for intentional actions, Green expressed regret to Nurkic, clarifying that he didn't mean to strike him.

Draymond Green apologizes to Jusuf Nurkic, responds to his 'need help' comment

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