The NBA has finalized its decision regarding Draymond Green's groin kick on Steven Adams during Game 3 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors. As noted by the league, Green's actions have been upgraded to a flagrant foul 2 and the player was slapped with a $25,000 fine.
In incident happened during the second quarter as Green drove under the basket. Adams was guarding the forward at that time but was then kicked in the groin as Green attempted to make a shot.
Based on clips from the game, many NBA fans, particularly followers of OKC, argued that the kick was intentional and were expecting the league to suspend Green for what he did to Adams, which left the latter on all fours on the court.
Although the league decided that Green's action was unnecessary, it did not warrant a suspension. Instead, the NBA upgraded his penalty to a fine and a flagrant foul 2.
"After a thorough investigation that included review of all video angles and interviews with the players involved and the officials working the game, we have determined that Green's foul was unnecessary and excessive and warranted the upgrade and fine," Basketball Operations Executive Vice President Kiki VanDeWeghe said in a statement.
"During a game, players - at times - flail their legs in an attempt to draw a foul," the official added. "But Green's actions in this case warranted an additional penalty."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, on the other hand, maintained that the incident was just an accident and noted that players flailing their limbs during games are very common in basketball.
Adams, however, believes the kick was intentional since this was not the first time that he got kicked by Green in the same area. The first one occurred in Game 2 as Adams went for a transition layup.
"I mean, it happened before, mate," he said according to ESPN while recalling the events in Game 2. "He's pretty accurate, that guy."
"Honestly, I think it's intentional," Adams's teammate Russell Westbrook added. That's two times in the last two games. I don't think you can keep hitting somebody in their private areas."
