In game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers, star forwards LeBron James and Draymond Green had a brief altercation. This scuffle led to James being retroactively assessed a technical foul and Green a flagrant 1.
Green set a screen on James which led to the two becoming entangled and eventually Green hit the deck and James proceeded to step over, not around, him.
While it did it not escalate past some words being said and slight pushing and shoving, it was a very tense moment nonetheless. But, this was not Green’s first run in with controversy this postseason. In the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Green appeared to kick Thunder Center Steven Adams in the groin, but escaped serious punishment. This time however, he was not so lucky. The flagrant that was assessed after the game was his fifth of the postseason, which leads to an automatic one game suspension.
Because of the suspension, Green will not be allowed in the arena for game 5.
ESPN sources say Draymond Green must be out of the arena 2 hours prior to tipoff tonight but WOULD be free to join any postgame celebrations
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 13, 2016
However, Green will not be far from the proceedings as it was announced Monday that he will watch game 5 in a location very close to the Warriors Oracle Arena.
Suspended Warrior Draymond Green is expected to watch Game 5 of the Finals from a suite in the Coliseum at the next door A's game, source.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 13, 2016
https://t.co/uOUOuTWzBb Coliseum is connected by a tunnel to the Oracle Arena. A's play the Rangers tonight with plenty of suites available.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 13, 2016
The Warriors will still be looking to close out the Cavs and secure their third NBA title, and first title victory in Oakland. With the potential of winning the championship in front of their home crowd for the first time, Green may still chose to come to the arena despite his suspension. If he does go down this path however, he faces further punishment from the league.
Am told if Draymond Green defied suspension and went to game 5, he would be disciplined further by the league, at commissioner's discretion
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) June 13, 2016
The Warriors will obviously be hurting without Green, who has, for all intents and purposes, become the heart and soul of the team. But, being up 3-1 over the Cavs, the team is still a very good position to capture back-to-back titles.
Game 5 takes place Monday night 6 PM PT.
Ought to have a camera on Dray next door .. show him on the overhead scoreboard.