Troubled History Clouded Draymond Green’s Judgement on Jamal Murray’s Game 2 Antics, Claims Stephen A. Smith

The young Minnesota Timberwolves team is getting on the last nerve of the defending champions. In the second round, the Anthony Edwards-led team defeated the Denver Nuggets in two back-to-back games on their home court, taking the lead of 2-0 in the Conference Semi-Finals so far. Denver’s frustrations took center stage early on in game 2 when coach Mike Malone charged at the refs for failing to call a foul on Karl Anthony Towns.

Later, in the second quarter, Jamal Murray threw a heating pad on the floor mid-play toward KAT’s feet, which could have easily resulted in a serious injury. Even Draymond Green was quite vocal about the Nuggets being “rattled”. However, he didn’t think there should be much consequences for Murray. Stephen A. Smith gave his two cents on First Take about Green’s reaction.

“I hope that he isn’t suspended ’cause I’m very fond of Jamal Murray. But that’s not what this is about. This is about the fact that he committed an act that even Draymond Green concedes is dangerous. That warrants a suspension for a game,” said Smith.

He goes on further to say, “Now I can understand Draymond Green, that (suspension) not coming to his mind. Why would it? Of course, you would feel that way. You’re (Green) a player first, a champion second of all, but third, and most importantly, you’ve had your share of suspensions.”

 Green’s judgment could indeed be clouded in the case of Murray, because, in a similar situation, he could have done the same.

A suspension that cost Draymond Green a championship

In the 2016 NBA Finals, Draymond Green’s suspension in Game 4 is often cited as a turning point that may have cost the Warriors the championship. During an altercation with LeBron James at halfcourt, Green’s contact with James’ groin led to a Flagrant 1 foul upon NBA review. With this, Green reached his fourth flagrant foul point of the playoffs that year, resulting in his suspension for Game 5.

The confrontation between the duo happened with just 3 minutes remaining for the Warriors to win that particular game, 108-97. Both entangled when Green attempted to set a hard screen. When James shoved Green aside, sending him on the floor, he in a way stepped over the GSW Forward, which is when Green swinged his arm across James and hit him in the groin area.

Immediately after this, James turned around and scuffled outside the three-pointer line, right when the Warriors possessed the ball. Later during the game, too, there were many instances when James was actually restrained by his teammates and was seen screaming at Green.

The Cavaliers, led by James, capitalized on Green’s absence, staging a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit to claim the championship in a memorable Game 7 victory on Golden State’s home court. Despite this tragic turn of events, the former DPOY has stated “I don’t live my life with regrets,” but deep down he surely thinks what if. Whether Murray will suffer a similar fate is still unclear, but in case he does he can count Green rooting for him.