Warriors bring Green off bench in return from suspension

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green came off the bench in his return from a one-game suspension in Sunday's Game 4 matchup against the Sacramento Kings.

Green scored 12 points on 3-of-14 shooting while adding 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block while playing 31 minutes in the Warriors' 126-125 victory. Golden State evened the series at 2-2 with the win.

The decision was partly made by Green as he spoke with head coach Steve Kerr on Saturday about the scenario, sources told Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

Golden State also wanted to split up its non-shooters - Green and Kevon Looney - and liked the floor spacing the team had in the previous contest, ESPN's Kendra Andrews reports.

Green missed Game 3 while serving a ban for stepping on the chest of Kings center Domantas Sabonis.

Jordan Poole slotted in alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney in Game 3. Poole finished with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Green's last playoff appearance as a reserve came in the first round almost exactly nine years ago Sunday.

The former Defensive Player of the Year entered Sunday averaging six points, 6.5 boards, eight assists, and 1.5 steals through two postseason appearances. During that same span, the Warriors are also allowing 6.1 fewer points per 100 possessions with Green on the floor.