It was earlier on Tuesday that Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green likely wouldn’t be suspended for his role in an altercation with Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis.
In the fourth quarter of Monday night’s game, Sabonis could be seen grabbing on to Green’s foot as the four-time NBA champion attempted to make his way up the court. At that point, Green could be seen stomping on Sabonis’s midsection. He received a flagrant foul and was ejected.
It was an ugly end to the night for Green as he waved his hands and held his hand to his ear while heading to the locker room. At that point, it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the four-time NBA champion would be suspended. However, Charania’s report seemed to clear things up.
In what is surprising news, the NBA dumped some late-night news indicating Tuesday evening that Green will in fact be suspended for Thursday’s outing against the Kings.
“Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended one game without pay for stepping on the chest of Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations.
The suspension was based in part on Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts. Green’s actions were in response to Sabonis grabbing and holding Green’s right ankle after falling to the floor: Green received a Flagrant Foul 2 and was ejected.”
NBA statement on Draymond Green suspension
As the NBA statement notes, Green’s suspension is in part due to his previous actions. Green, 33, was ejected during an NBA Playoff game against the Memphis Grizzlies last year. During the 2016 NBA Finals, Green was also suspended for a game after getting into it with then-Cleveland Cavaliers star forward LeBron James.
As for the defending champion Golden State Warriors, this could prove to be a massive blow. They are in a 0-2 series hole in the NBA Playoffs for the first time since back in 2007. Draymond Green is the engine that makes it go defensively and is among the best passing big men in the game.
Golden State will look to avoid a 0-3 series hole against the Kings in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at home Thursday evening. It will do so without Green on the court.