The Golden State Warriors are encountering fresh obstacles in their playoff journey, with the potential absence of Draymond Green looming large. The seasoned player recently incurred his fifth technical foul during this postseason's nine playoff games, bringing him perilously close to an automatic suspension after just two more infractions. This situation echoes back to 2016 when Green was suspended for a game in the NBA Finals due to accumulating flagrant points, a period that saw Golden State's downfall against LeBron James' Cavaliers after leading 3-1.

In the second game of the Western Conference semifinals versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, an incident unfolded where Naz Reid committed a foul on Green. In response, Green exhibited aggressive behavior by flailing his arms and striking Reid in the head, resulting in both players being penalized. The officials reviewed the play and concluded it constituted a regular foul on Reid alongside a technical foul for Green. Following this decision, Green displayed visible frustration, prompting Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to remove him from the game to prevent further repercussions that could have led to his ejection.

Beyond technical fouls, Green also faces the risk of suspension if he accumulates two more flagrant fouls. As the Warriors strive to persevere without Stephen Curry and potentially without Green, they must navigate these challenges against a formidable Minnesota team that has already defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. Such adversity often brings out the best in athletes like Green, showcasing resilience and determination as essential qualities for overcoming tough situations in sports and life alike.