:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72190328/1251934810.0.jpg)
Tuesday update: Well, so much for the unlikely suspension. The league has decided to put Green out of Game 3 against the Kings for his actions involving a stomp on Sabonis in Game 2. Green’s history did play a factor in the decision, according to the league. Initially, it sounded like a fine was coming but now Green will actually have to sit this one out. The Warriors were already down 2-0 heading back to the Bay and will now be without their top defender in a must-win game.
NBA ultimately decided on suspending Green for Game 3 of Warriors-Kings due to his history of unsportsmanlike plays, league says. Most around Warriors and the situation Tuesday believed a fine was coming, but the star forward will serve his suspension in a pivotal game. https://t.co/1YCLRxEIkY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2023
Tuesday update: According to Shams Charania, Green is unlikely to be suspended for his actions in Game 2 involving stepping on and then stomping on Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis was also assessed a personal foul on the play, so the league likely sees this incident as something both parties were involved in. Green was already ejected, so the damage was technically already done.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who has been known for his intensity and physical play, took things a bit too far by stomping on Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis in Game 2 of their first-round series Monday. Green was thrown out of the game with just over seven minutes left after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul. Here’s the video.
“It’s been a fun game, but it’s escalated into something more”
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) April 18, 2023
pic.twitter.com/5nmU1DMsMq
In fairness to Green, Sabonis did grab his foot as he was walking back. However, the intensity of Green’s stomp and him driving his foot into Sabonis’ midsection was uncalled for. The referees did assess a personal foul to Sabonis, but Green was clearly taking this too far.
The Warriors seemed to get some life from Green’s actions but they have not been able to close the gap on the Kings for long. Every time Golden State makes a run, Sacramento responds. Maybe it’s the road environment throwing the defending champions off, but this Kings team is proving it is ready for the bright lights of the postseason.
Green finished the game with eight points, five assists and four rebounds. We’ll see what he has to say about the call on his podcast and in the coming days ahead of Game 3 in San Francisco.