Draymond Green might have just messed up the Golden State Warriors’ chances of retaining the title. Green just got suspended for their upcoming home game against the Sacramento Kings. This is a result of what happened in Game 2 between him and Domantas Sabonis. The 4x Champion was given a flagrant 2 and ejected after having excessive unnecessary contact with Sabonis.
The Golden State Warriors are currently 0-2 against the Kings which is not a situation they’ve been in for a while. Game 1 of the series was a close call. However, in Game 2, the Warriors were simply not dominant enough.
Going into Game 3 without Draymond Green could potentially result in a 0-3 record in this series. Without him, the Dubs have a record of 58-56. The last time Draymond Green got suspended during the playoffs was in 2016.
Breaking: Draymond Green has been suspended one game without pay for stepping on the chest of Domantas Sabonis, the NBA announced. pic.twitter.com/FzllzhyRl2
— ESPN (@espn) April 19, 2023
That season, the Warriors were playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Green was ejected for accumulating too many flagrant fouls. Ultimately, it cost GSW the title as well. Now, if the Warriors were to lose three games to the Kings, their chances of survival would become non-existent. Head Coach Steve Kerr will have to lay out a strategy to fill the defensive void Green would’ve otherwise taken care of.
Kings say Domantas Sabonis has suffered a sternum contusion and is questionable for Game 3 vs. Warriors.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2023
Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins are the only available options that can play at the same level. Besides Green, Andre Iguodala also provided himself as a reliable defensive piece. Unfortunately, Iggy is dealing with a wrist injury and is expected to sit out until the end of April. Klay Thompson is also a very good defender but generally works around the perimeter. Green would lend his hand in various aspects depending on what the Warriors require from him.
Why was Draymond Green suspended?
What happened during Game 2 is very controversial. During a play in the fourth quarter, the Kings were in possession of the ball which was driven to the basketball. Under the rim stood Draymond Green, Domantas Sabonis, and Klay Thompson. All three were positioning themselves to grab the rebound. Sabonis collided with Thompson and fell to the floor.
While he fell, it seemed as if he grabbed onto Green’s ankle. In an attempt to escape, Draymond tried to jump over Sabonis but ended up stomping on his rib cage. From one perspective, Sabonis could have set it up to make it seem like Green did it on purpose. He might’ve pulled the Warriors down. However, Green could have also purposely done it. He has a long history of dirty plays that the NBA often calls him out for.