Although the Golden State Warriors were able to hang on for a thrilling one-point victory in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, a critical moment in the second quarter could have an impact on the rest of the series.
Draymond Green was automatically ejected from Game 1 after Kane Fitzgerald’s crew assessed a questionable flagrant two foul on the Warriors forward before halftime. Green fouled Memphis forward Brandon Clarke causing a review. After the review, Green received a flagrant two and was ejected. Greem appeared to grab Clarke’s jersey and make contact with his head.
According to the postgame pool report with Fitzgerald, Green’s contact with Clarke was deemed unnecessary and excessive.
Via @Con_Chron on Twitter:
Your pool report explaining the refs' reasoning for giving Draymond Green a flagrant-2: pic.twitter.com/boFsQ5DXSE
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) May 1, 2022
Despite outcry from many fans and analysts questioning the call, Green’s flagrant two will stand. On Monday, the league decided not to reduce Green’s flagrant two down to a flagrant one, per Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:
Warriors star Draymond Green’s Flagrant Foul 2 in Game 1 will not be reduced by the NBA, league spokesperson tells me and @anthonyVslater.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2022
Green will now have two flagrant points for the remainder of the postseason. If the four-time All-Star records four flagrant points, he will receive an automatic one-game suspension.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
That means Draymond Green has two flagrant points. In the playoffs, four flagrant points mean an automatic one-game suspension. Flagrant 1 equals one point, Flagrant 2 equals two points. https://t.co/nQelucvexN
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 2, 2022
Before making his exit in Game 1 against the Grizzlies, Green had notched six points on 2-of-3 shooting from the floor with four rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block in 17 minutes.
With a 1-0 lead in the series, Green will be back on the floor for Game 2 in Memphis on Tuesday. Game 2 is set to tip-off at 6:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday at the FedEx Forum in Memphis.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
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