Golden State Warriors’ most dominant forward Dreymond Green was issued a one-game suspension by the National Basketball Association (NBA) which could affect the Warriors’ intensity for the potential title-clinching Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The defending champion Warriors already seized a 3-1 lead in the best-of-even series after their impressive 108-97 victory over the Cavs at their home court.
The suspension of Dreymond Green was decided by the NBA after he struck LeBron James’ groin with 2:48 remaining in the fourth quarter after the two tangled bodies and James stepped over Green as he tried to rise from the court.
Green’s absent in Game 5 could affect the Warriors’ offensive strategies as he averaged 15.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.9 blocked shots and 1.6 steals a game for the Warriors in the playoffs.
According to NBA executive vice president Kiki VanDeWeghe they alreay reveiwed the tape of Game 4 and upgraded Dreymond Green’s foul to a flagrant one, giving him a one-game ban for a fourth accumulated playoff flagrant foul that will be served on Game 5.
The NBA officials noted that Green had already accumulated flagrant fouls in the first round and semi-final round of the NBA playoffs, most notably a kick to the groin against Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams in the Western Conference finals.
During an interview with Dreymond Green, he aired his side by saying that “He stepped over me,” referring to James’ moves during the ame. He added further that “There’s many routes you can take. Don’t step over me like that… I don’t care who you are. I’m not going to back down,” he stated.
Aside from Dreymond Green, Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue was also fined with $25,000 for public criticism of officiating in his post-game comments, especially saying how James should have gone to the free throw line more in the loss.
