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Jordan Poole was ‘knocked out’ by Draymond Green punch, says Stephen A. Smith

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Teammate Fights

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole was ‘knocked out’ from teammate Draymond Green’s already-infamous punch according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

The basketball world was taken by storm following a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania last week, detailing a physical altercation between Jordan Poole and Draymond Green at Warriors practice.

Footage has since emerged of the scuffle showing Green and Poole coming chest-t0-chest before Green strikes his teammate with his right hand, which led to a fine and one week suspension from the team.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has now revealed that Poole was knocked out by the punch, reminiscent of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr being struck by Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls.

Kerr told the media that Green was fined for the incident but has now returned to team practice and will play in Golden State’s final preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

The 32-year-old will also suit up on opening night as Oracle Arena welcomes the reigning NBA champions home to face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers next Tuesday.

Whilst many believe that the relationship between Green and the Warriors has been damaged beyond repair, Steph Curry is said to have facilitated conversations between Green, Jordan Poole, and other members of the team to move forward.

Kerr conceded that the 32-year-old had broken the team’s trust with this incident but after everything Green has given the Warriors since 2012, including four NBA championships, he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

“Draymond and I have been together for eight years. We’ve had plenty of run-ins but I trust him. He broke our trust with this incident, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because I think he’s earned that – and I think our team feels the same way.”

The Warriors are the Vegas favorites to win back-to-back championships in NBA betting at a price of +575, ahead of last year’s finalists Boston Celtics and 2021 champions Milwaukee Bucks.