Draymond Green avoided suspension for kicking Steven Adams in the groin during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday, but his foul was upgraded.
The NBA announced the news on Monday, saying that Green was fined $25,000 and his foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, but he was not suspended.
GSW's D. Green Fined $25k and upgraded to Flagrant 2 for incident on 5/22 (5:57 of 2nd qtr).
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) May 23, 2016
Flagrant 2 fouls result in automatic ejections. By the NBA’s logic, Green was lucky to avoid the automatic ejection for his actions.
Green and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after Sunday’s game they thought the foul would be rescinded, which was mostly propaganda/wishful thinking. They should be pleased the forward was not suspended and will be available for a critical Game 4 on Tuesday.
After making contact with Adams’ groin twice in two games, the officials will have a very close eye on him and he will have very little leeway moving forward.
