Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green has already gotten into trouble, narrowly avoiding suspension, this year after kicking Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams in the groin. Now he is facing another potential ban after delivering a shot to Cleveland Cavalier's LeBron James' groin via a flailing arm late in the last quarter of game 4 of the NBA Finals.
The Warriors took a 3-1 series lead with yesterday's win, but a dent could be placed in their title hopes if Green is banned. His performances have been consistent this finals series providing salvation for the surprisingly misfiring duo of Klay Thompson and back to back MVP Stephen Curry.
According to ESPN senior writer Brian Windhorst, if officials assess a flagrant foul 1 on Draymond Green, then he would face suspension for game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals. If he is also assessed a flagrant foul 2 following his low blow on James, he would face a two-game ban, missing out of game 5 and if required, game 6.
James and Green's altercations for the night did not end with the low blow. Late in the game, as the two of them were chasing a loose ball, both of them were given a foul. They then had to be separated before a fight broke out on the court. However, James seemed to be more upset with what Green said to him rather than what he did.
Green declined to comment about what he said, but the Daily Mail reports that James deemed his opposition words a bit "overboard." Sources say that James was upset after Green had called him a "b****."
Although seemingly disrespectful, the Warriors power forward explained his side saying, "[James] stepped over me and I felt like that was disrespectful. I don't disrespect you on the court. Don't disrespect me. There's no love lost. It is what it is. It's a battle out there. I'm going to battle with whoever it is."
