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Draymond's costly double tech sets stage for Hornets' dramatic win

Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Terry Rozier's buzzer-beater gave the Charlotte Hornets a dramatic 102-100 win over the Golden State Warriors, but it was a costly call against Draymond Green that set the stage for the improbable finish.

With the Warriors up 100-98 and just over 10 seconds remaining, a jump ball took place at center court between LaMelo Ball and Brad Wanamaker.

While neither player won the tap cleanly, Charlotte forward Gordon Hayward came away with possession. As Hayward tumbled to the floor, Green appeared to also get his hands on the ball.

Instead of another jump ball, the Hornets were awarded a timeout. Green immediately protested the call and was assessed two technical fouls.

The sequence resulted in the three-time All-Star's ejection and a pair of free throws for Charlotte.

"(Green's) first technical foul was assessed when he directed profanity at his opponent," crew chief Marc Davis said postgame. "He was assessed his first technical foul for verbally taunting an opponent.

"He then proceeded to direct screaming profanity at a game official and received his (second) technical foul and was ejected as per rule."

Rozier promptly made both attempts from the charity stripe and proceeded to knock down a tough fadeaway jumper for the win. The sixth-year guard finished with a game-high 36 points, including 20 in the final frame.

Following the contest, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr criticized the officials for granting the Hornets a timeout. However, he also expressed disapointment over Green's emotional outburst.

"Draymond can't do that. He knows that. He made a terrible mistake getting T'd up and giving them a chance to shoot two free throws and tie the game," Kerr told reporters, including The Athletic's Anthony Slater.

Green later took full responsibility for his actions.

"He said it was his fault," said Warriors forward Eric Paschall. "He took ownership. We still rocking with Dray no matter what. Shit happens in the NBA. Learn from it."

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