Draymond Green was involved in a controversial play during the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies, which resulted in a late foul on rookie Zach Edey. The incident occurred in the third quarter, with 7:06 remaining on the clock, during a 123-118 victory for the Warriors.
Green, while driving around Jaren Jackson Jr., lost control of the ball and fell into the paint where Edey was standing. As Edey attempted to start a fast break for the Grizzlies, Green’s left elbow made contact with Edey’s right foot, causing the young center to trip over Green’s leg. Edey expressed his opinion that it was not a basketball play, indicating that the foul was intentional.
Although the foul was initially classified as a transition take foul and not reviewed during the game, the league later upgraded it to a Flagrant 1 following a review. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins was disappointed with the officials’ decision not to review the play, especially considering Edey’s performance in the game.
If the foul had been called a Flagrant 1 during the game, the Grizzlies would have been awarded two free throws and possession of the ball. This incident adds to Green’s history of questionable fouls, as he was suspended last season for hitting another player in the face.
It is worth noting that this is Green’s first flagrant foul of the season, and it has sparked discussions about his on-court behavior and the need for officials to review potentially dangerous plays more thoroughly. The NBA’s decision to upgrade the foul highlights the importance of player safety and the enforcement of fair play rules in professional basketball.
Overall, the incident involving Draymond Green and Zach Edey serves as a reminder of the physicality and intensity of the game, as well as the responsibility of players to maintain sportsmanship and respect for their opponents. The league’s response to such incidents plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of the sport and ensuring that players are held accountable for their actions on the court.
