In what feels like a case of déjà vu, the Warriors await the fate of Draymond Green, who could face discipline after another postseason mix-up gone too far.
With 7:03 remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and Golden State trailing Sacramento by four points, Green stomped on the chest of Domantas Sabonis after the Kings All-Star held Green’s foot from the floor. As officials reviewed the acts, Green did his best to rile up the crowd at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, going as far as jumping on the bench to yell at the nearest section.
Green was ultimately assessed a Flagrant 2 and ejected from the game.
Shortly after the game, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Sabonis, who himself received a technical foul for the altercation but stayed in the game, received X-rays on his chest and lungs.
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
The excessive nature of Green’s play along with the suddenly uncertain health status of Sabonis naturally calls into question whether or not Green will be suspended for Game 3. Here’s everything we know so far with more updates sure to come.
MORE: Domantas Sabonis injury update
Will Draymond Green be suspended for Game 3?
We do not yet officially know whether or not Green will be suspended for Game 3.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver — who was in attendance in Sacramento for Game 2 — will ultimately make the call on whether or not to suspend Green.
While no decision has been made, The Athletic’s Shams Charania has reported “it is looking unlikely” that Green will be suspended for Game 3, adding that those around Green are expecting a fine given the circumstances surrounding the incident with Sabonis.
The decision surrounding the discipline of Green will surely job vivid memories for Silver.
In Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Green was retroactively assessed a Flagrant 1 foul by Silver for “excessive conduct” after punching LeBron James in the groin. Due to technical foul accumulation, Green automatically received a one-game suspension and missed Game 5. The Warriors, of course, went on to lose that series with Green infamously receiving lion’s share of the blame for their 3-1 collapse.
MORE: Green defend himself | Social media reacts to Green ejection
While comparisons to the 2016 incident will surely surface, it’s worth pointing out that Green was not suspended strictly for that play. As NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said at the time, “While [Green’s] actions in Game 4 do not merit a suspension as a stand-alone act, the number of flagrant points he earned triggers a suspension for Game 5.”
Though the Sabonis X-rays introduce a new wrinkle, that quote from 2016 perhaps offers a clue that could work in Golden State’s favor.
NBA flagrant points system, explained
Even if Green is ultimately not suspended, he will receive two flagrant foul points added to his running playoff total.
The NBA institutes a points system designed to penalize repeat offenders.
During the playoffs, each Flagrant 1 foul is worth one points and every Flagrant 2 foul is worth two points. If a player’s playoff point total exceeds three, he receives an automatic one-game suspension. Unlike technical fouls, the flagrant foul points do not reset but actually grow in severity.
- Player at two points receives Flagrant 2: one-game suspension
- Player at three or four points receives Flagrant 1: one-game suspension
- Player at three or four points receives Flagrant 2: two-game suspension
- Player at five or more points receives Flagrant 1 or 2: two-game suspension
Assuming the Flagrant 2 assessed in Game 2 holds up, Green will be sitting on two flagrant points.
When is Warriors-Kings Game 3?
The series shifts back to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 is on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on TNT.
Fans in the U.S. can live stream that game and every NBA playoff game on Sling TV. which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish
Warriors-Kings series schedule
Here is the full series schedule for the Warriors and Kings. If necessary, Games 5 and 7 would be in Sacramento.
| Date | Game | Time (ET/Result | TV channel |
| April 15 | Game 1 | Kings 126, Warriors 123 | ABC |
| April 17 | Game 2 | Kings 114, Warriors 106 | TNT |
| April 20 | Game 3 | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| April 23 | Game 4 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| April 26 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
| April 28 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |