Draymond Green has had his fair share of dirty plays in the NBA. Ever since he started in the NBA, there have several controversial moments on the court involving the 4x Champion. By the time you know it, fans began to label him as the dirtiest player in the league. Regardless of it, the former Defensive Player of the Year has often proven himself on the court.
The Golden State Warriors are now facing the Sacramento Kings in round one of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Game 1 of the series was an utter disaster for the Warriors And Game 2 wasn’t any different. However, putting aside the Warriors’ downfall, Draymond Green stole the limelight with a controversial play against the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis.
Malik Monk was on the drive to the basket, but the ball missed the rim and Stephen Curry grabbed the rebound. Present there was Green, who got tangled up with Sabonis which resulted in a Flagrant 2 foul called. During the play, Sabonis fell after colliding with Klay Thompson. On the way down, he caught ahold of Green’s leg. In an attempt to jump over him, Draymond was pulled back down and may have accidentally stomped on Sabonis’ ribs. The Kings player was in writhing pain while the referees assessed a flagrant on Green.
Warriors and Kings fans left divided over Draymond Green’s controversial play
There are many perspectives this play can be viewed from. Based on Draymond Green’s history, it is possible that he did it on purpose. However, Sabonis could have also caused the incident himself. The cameras were able to catch Sabonis’ arm wrapped around Green’s ankle as the latter attempted to jump over him. One fan said, “This is actually disgusting,” while another retaliated saying, “DRAYMOND DID NOTHING WRONG.” Here are a few more reactions from fans.
This is actually disgusting
— Bones🦴 (@Boness305) April 18, 2023
DRAYMOND DID NOTHING WRONG
— Vince🍇 (@Vince1o7) April 18, 2023
Definitely a good actor. He was trying to win an Oscar tonight
— Chases Toy Box (@chasestoybox) April 18, 2023
Dirtiest player ever
— Art By James Ryan | Titan Up (@TitanOilers) April 18, 2023
Ultimately, Draymond Green was ejected from the game during the fourth quarter. He played 31 minutes recording 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Green’s response to his ejection was, “I gotta land my foot somewhere, and I’m not the most flexible person so it’s not stretching that far. I can only step so far and pulling my leg away. So, it is what it is. The explanation was I stomped too hard.” The defending Champion even called out referees for their Game 1 negligence.
Sacramento Kings All-Star Domantas Sabonis is undergoing X-rays on his ribs/lungs, sources tell ESPN. Sabonis is getting evaluated after Draymond Green stepped on him in Game 2.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 18, 2023
Sabonis and Green have been going back and forth since the start of this series. However, the Kings All-Star seemed a bit forgiving towards Green. He said, “No, you know, we’re both fighting for the rebound. We fell on each other. Stuff happens. It’s basketball. We’ve gotta move on next play.”
Unbothered by the situation, Domantas went on to finish the game with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in 40 minutes. Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that despite finishing the game, Sabonis will be evaluated before Game 3.