Draymond Green avoids suspension for groin kick
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Warriors forward Draymond Green will avoid suspension for his groin kick on Steven Adams during Sunday’s 133–105 Game 3 loss, the league announced Tuesday. Green’s foul will be upgraded to a Flagrant 2, and he will be fined $25,000.
“After a thorough investigation that included review of all available video angles and interviews with the players involved and the officials working the game, we have determined that Green’s foul was unnecessary and excessive and warranted the upgrade and fine,” league vice president Kiki VanDeWeghe said in a statement. “During a game, players — at times — flail their legs in an attempt to draw a foul, but Green’s actions in this case warranted an additional penalty.”
Green received a flagrant foul for the kick, which occurred during the second quarter. Green kicked his leg out after going up for a shot and getting tangled up with Adams. He said after the game that the kick was not intentional, and both he and coach Steve Kerr said they expected the flagrant foul would be rescinded.
“I thought it would probably get rescinded,” Green said. “I followed through on a shot. I didn’t try to kick somebody in the midsection. I’m sure he wants to have kids one day. I’m not trying to end that on the basketball court.
Thunder guard Russell Westbrook said after the game that he believed the kick was intentional because Green also kneed Adams in the same place during Game 2.
• GOLLIVER: Green’s kick has Warriors’ West finals in doubt
At practice on Monday, Draymond Green accused Westbrook of starting “acting in the NBA” to sell calls, which Westbrook shot down.
Cavaliers guard Dahntay Jones was suspended for one game after hitting Bismack Biyombo in the groin during Cleveland’s Game 3 loss to the Raptors on Saturday.
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The Warriors are down in the series 2–1, and will play Game 4 on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
