MANILA, Philippines – It was a long night for Draymond Green Sunday, May 22 in the US (Monday, May 23 in Manila).
The Golden State Warriors forward endured a horrible first half highlighted by a flagrant foul penalty 1 slapped on him after he appeared to deliver a low blow to Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams.
The play, occurring in the second quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, saw Green rising for a shot but ended his attempt with a kick to Adams' groin.
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The foul and play will reportedly be reviewed by the NBA with the possibility of a Game 4 suspension for Green – a decision that could be crucial as the defending champions attempt to level the best-of-7 series after a huge lopsided loss in Game 4.
In the post-game interview, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he thinks the kick was “inadvertent” and he was “shocked they even looked at it.”
“This stuff happens all the time. Westbrook kicks out his feet on every 3 and there’s contact.”
He added he thinks the NBA would rescind the flagrant foul call.
The long night for the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up ended with a dismal 6 points, as he made just one of his 9 attempts from the field in over 31 minutes. Green, who also missed 7 of his 8 attempts in the first half, had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 turnovers.
Oklahoma City retains homecourt advantage in Game 4 of the series on Tuesday, May 24 (Wednesday, May 25 in Manila). – Rappler.com