The proceedings of the playoffs haven’t been easy for the defending champions, as they go two down in round 1. Despite a fighting defense from the Dubs, the Sacramento Kings ticked all boxes to seal the game on Monday. However, the Dubs star Draymond Green grabbed all the attention with his antics in the fourth quarter. 7x All-Star Damian Lillard joined other NBA stars in supporting the 33-year-old’s actions.
The Kings dominated the game, maintaining a steady lead throughout. The Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry looked off-color as he couldn’t drop his 3-pointers in crucial scenarios. Moreover, DrayMagic’s violent action toward the Kings’ star raised several eyebrows. However, it didn’t bother many in the hoops world as they openly took a stand for the Dubs star.
Draymond Green ignites the arena after a stomp
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When the Warriors were chasing a 4-point game with 7 minutes left in the game, Draymond Green stomped on Domantas Sabonis’s stomach. Sabanis held on to Green’s leg when he fell off balance attempting for a rebound. In his defense, the Dubs star stepped on Sabonis’ torso to retrieve himself.
Draymond Green and Domantas Sabonis get twisted up.
Green was issued a flagrant 2 (ejected) and Sabonis was issued a technical.
🎥 @BleacherReport pic.twitter.com/km7Oqy7cSI
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 18, 2023
After the incident, Referees called a flagrant foul on Green and a technical foul on the Kings’ center. Even though the 4x NBA Champion’s act seemed questionable to many, several NBA stars have stepped forward in Green’s support . The Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard tweeted, “Take foul on Sabonis … I didn’t think Dray tried to step down … that’s just how his balance ended up.”
Following Lillard, NBA legend Isiah Thomas tweeted, “That’s not a T!!!!! He was grabbing his leg.” Moreover, NBA rookie Jabari Smith Jr took a dig at the officials with his tweet. He wrote, “The ref just guessed draymond fouled him off reputation.”
Take foul on Sabonis … I didn’t think Dray tried to step down … that’s just how his balance ended up 🤷🏽♂️…
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) April 18, 2023
That’s not a T!!!!! He was grabbing his leg.
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 18, 2023
The ref just guessed draymond fouled him off reputation 😂😂😂
— Jabari Smith Jr (@jabarismithjr) April 18, 2023
However, the decision went against Green, who was later ejected from the court.
Draymond Green’s side of the story
Draymond Green seemed disappointed with the calls made against him. He addressed the press after the game and explained his stance on the issue. He said, “My leg got grabbed… Referees just watch it. I got to land my foot somewhere and I am not the most flexible person so I am not stretching that far.”
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Draymond Green on his Game 2 ejection pic.twitter.com/MYZpnobxiK
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 18, 2023
As the Dubs go two down in the series, the team would look to win their upcoming two home games to keep their hopes alive in defending their championship.
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What do you make of the Dubs star Draymond Green’s stamp on Domantas Sabonis? Let us know in the comments below.