Green, Warriors dodge bullet from NBA

Halley Sellers, Reporter

The 2016 playoffs has had its share of dramatic moments, but none of them can compare to the kick heard around the league by Warriors player Draymond Green.

During game three of the western conference finals on Sunday, the 2016 all-star forward kicked Thunder center Steven Adams in the crotch after the two collided on a layup attempt by Green. Adams then collapsed to the ground and would later have to be taken out of the game.

What has angered fans was how league officials handled Green’s punishment. The league decided to fine Green $25,000 for his flagrant two foul, but he was not suspended for Tuesdays game four in Oklahoma City.

“I felt like this was one of those rare moments where a little added perspective might help the fans understand how you guys saw this thing,” said NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe in an interview with USA TODAY.

Green had kneed Adams earlier in the series during game two, causing Adams to come out of the game just after it had happened. Green is now just one flagrant foul away from facing required suspension from the league.

Cavs guard Dahntay Jones was recently suspended for one game after he punched Raptors center Bismack Biyombo in the groin, leaving many confused as to why Green didn’t receive a similar punishment.

“I don’t really have an opinion on it, and you didn’t ask me my opinion on Dahntay’s play, so I definitely won’t give my opinion on Draymond’s,” said Cavs forward Lebron James in an interview with ESPN.