Draymond Green’s kick heard around the world into the groin of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams will reportedly not earn him a suspension. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Golden State Warriors forward will not be suspended for Game 4.
The NBA will not suspend Golden State's Draymond Green for Game 4, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 23, 2016
Green is not entirely off the hook. ESPN’s Marc Stein also reported that his foul has been upgraded to a Flagrant 2 and that Green will face a fine.
Draymond Green's foul has been upgraded to a Flagrant Foul 2 and he will be fined, sources say. No suspension
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 23, 2016
Realistically, it’s hard to argue too much with this. Suspending Draymond would be a tough move to make, but he should be disciplined. Even if the kick was not intentional, players need to be more responsible for what their legs do.
But the suspension, or lack thereof, is the most pressing news as it relates to the Warriors-Thunder series.
Trailing 2-1, Game 4 isn’t literally a must win for Golden State, but it’s about as close to one as anyone could imagine. It will be hard enough for them to beat Oklahoma City with Green in the lineup. Beating the Thunder without Green would be a Herculean task.
Adams might be legitimately inclined to wear a cup for the upcoming game, now.