Warriors’ Draymond Green exits game with ankle injury, appears to be OK

Dec 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Golden State Warriors’ Swiss Army knife Draymond Green appeared to suffer an ankle injury Thursday night, but appears to be OK for now.

At 19-3, the Golden State Warriors super-team is currently riding high. The incorporation of Kevin Durant only took a couple of weeks, the bench is rounding into form and the Dubs own the best record in the NBA.

Just this week, Klay Thompson dropped 60 points in 29 minutes against the Indiana Pacers and Golden State smashed its Pacific Division rival, the Los Angeles Clippers, by double digits in as big of a statement game as you can make in December.

The Warriors were nearly dealt a significant blow Thursday night. Late in the third quarter, Stephen Curry was defending a drive by Shelvin Mack and was pushed backward into Draymond Green.

Curry landed on Green’s ankle, and he fell to the floor in pain:

Green hobbled to the locker room and was there for some time being check on by the team’s training staff.

According to ESPN’s Ethan Strauss, Green later returned to the bench from the locker room. He was available to return, via Warriors PR.

At the time, the Dubs were up 13, but the lead has dwindled to 10 midway through the fourth quarter. Green had 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals at the time of his exit, going 4-for-6 from three-point range as well.

He’s the Warriors’ most important and versatile defender, capable of logging minutes at the center position for small-ball lineups, spreading the floor as a three-point threat, attacking the basket as a ball handler/distributor and defending the rim on the other end.

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Green was able to return to the game in the fourth quarter, but we’ll keep an eye on his ankle to make sure this injury isn’t more serious moving forward.