The Sacramento Kings took a 2-0 lead against the Golden State Warriors in their first-round Western Conference series following Monday’s intense match at the Golden 1 Center. During the heated game, the Warriors’ Draymond Green stomped on the chest of the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, sparking controversy and raising the possibility of suspension for Green.
With just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Kings ahead 91-87, Sabonis fell to the court after a missed shot by Sacramento’s Malik Monk. As Green attempted to run back on offense, Sabonis grabbed his right leg, prompting Green to forcefully step on Sabonis’ chest.
Green was ejected from the game, while Sabonis received a technical foul. Green later defended his actions, claiming he had no choice but to land his foot somewhere after Sabonis grabbed his leg. The NBA’s basketball operations department, led by former Detroit Pistons player and executive Joe Dumars, is investigating the incident, which was also witnessed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
While some may argue that Green’s actions were provoked by Sabonis grabbing his leg, the league is expected to weigh Green’s history of on-court altercations in its decision. Green has previously received fines and suspensions for similar incidents, including a kick to Steven Adams’ groin area in the 2016 playoffs and a flagrant foul on LeBron James in the 2016 NBA Finals.
Green, known for his aggressive playstyle, has been an All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and key member of four NBA championship teams. However, his track record of technical fouls and suspensions may work against him in this case. As the Warriors face the possibility of playing without Green in Game 3, they must find a way to counter the younger, faster Kings and regain their footing in the series.