Warriors’ Draymond Green suspended for Game 3 after flagrant foul on Kings’ Sabonis

Author: Monojit Mandal

Related material: Draymond Green sent off as Kings lead 2-0 in series against Warriors

Draymond Green will miss Game 3 of the Golden State Warriors’ first-round NBA playoff series against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. This will happen after the NBA banned the star for his actions during the fourth quarter of the Warriors’ 114-106 loss at the Golden 1 Center on Monday night. Green was ejected after stepping on the chest of Kings forward Domantas Sabonis after a collision under the basket.

Green was suspended without pay by the NBA on Tuesday night, citing his “history of unsportsmanlike behavior” as a factor in the decision. The Athletic’s ShamsCharania reported on Tuesday that it was unlikely that Green would be punished and would instead receive a fine. Unfortunately this was not the case, and the punishment was much more severe.

Sabonis underwent X-rays after the game, but no injuries were identified. After the game, the Kings forward told reporters that “there’s no tolerance for that in our game today”. With the Warriors trailing the series by two games to one, losing Green in Game 3 is a big blow to their comeback prospects.

Draymond Green is a well-known and respected NBA basketball player who now plays for the Golden State Warriors. He usually plays forward and has had a very successful career, winning four NBA titles, being named a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time member of the All-NBA team, a seven-time member of the All-Defensive team, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. He was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and led the league in steals.

Green grew up in Saginaw (Michigan) and attended Michigan State University. During his time at Michigan State, he led the Spartans to two Final Fours and won the Big Tem tournament in 2012. Green received conference and national awards during his four-year college career, including Big TenConference Sixth Man of the Year as a sophomore, and consensus All-American and NABC National Player of the Year honors as a senior. The Golden State Warriors selected him 35th overall in the 2012 NBA draft, and he was a vital member of the championship teams in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.

Green is known for his flexibility, often appearing as an undersized pivot in the Warriors’ “Line of Death”. He is a pioneer in the NBA of front-line players who can play and defend many positions, as well as creating opportunities for his teammates.

Draymond Green’s ban hurts the Golden State Warriors in their first-round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings. Green’s behavior during the previous game resulted in a Flagrant 2 penalty and ejection, being banned from one game and being unpaid for Game 3. Although Green is an important player for the Warriors, they must find a way to win without him to stay in the playoffs.

Green’s absence in Game 3 significantly reduces the Warriors’ chances of winning the series. Other players will be called up to step up and fill the void left by the star.