Updated Nov. 7, 2026, 9:53 p.m. ET
SAN FRANCISCO ― Golden State Warriors forward Georges Niang has brought added toughness to the team, and it rears its head often throughout the game.
Niang and Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. were separated by teammates before being assessed technical fouls a brief push-off and animated words between the two during a regular-season meeting between the Warriors and Magic on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
With 9 minutes and 17 seconds in the second quarter, Carter received an entry pass inside the paint, and Niang, out of position, committed an intentional foul, wrapping up Carter before he could get off the ground.
Warriors forward Draymond Green and guard Gary Payton II de-escalated the situation, protecting Niang.
After officials reviewed the play, double-technical fouls were handed out to Niang and Carter.
Niang has mixed it up with anyone and everyone showing that he’s a guy that’s willing to scrap, claw and get in opponents face. He won’t allow others to impose their will on his team. And when the Warriors want to get physical, Niang is down for the get down.
The type of energy, that type of spunk is what fellow teammate Green raves about. Green has already had to hold Niang back when getting into it with Miami Heat forward Bobby Portis and Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton.
Niang wasn’t on the court during the dust up with Phoenix Suns and guard Dillon Brooks, but he looked on as if he wanted to get in the mix.
“I love that, I love that type of energy, by the way,” Green said. “George has been incredible for us and the way he shoots the basketball. Crazy thing is he hasn’t even shot it at a level that he shoots the ball at and yet the impact that he’s had on this team on every aspect of the game. He’s so smart.”
Niang is avergaing 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game for the Warriors through nine games. He’s a career 39.7% 3-point shooter but has only connected on 30.6% of attempts so far in the 2026-27 season.
Still, it’s the little things that Niang does that makes him valuable to the Warriors roster.
“What an addition,” Green said. “That’s one of those signings that people look at like ‘aw man’ but then you look up and this guy, you can’t keep him off the floor. He’s been absolutely great for us. I have absolutely loved being his teammate.”
“I’ll be honest, I have times (when) I do some random (expletive) out there, especially on the defensive end. But even on offense, and he just picks up on it like that. … Really fun player to play with.”
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