The Warriors will have to finish Game 1 against the Grizzlies without one of their most important players.
Golden State forward Draymond Green was ejected from the series opener on Sunday after being assessed a flagrant-2 foul in the second quarter. The four-time All-Star was terrific in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, averaging 9.6 points, 7.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. His absence will certainly be felt in the second half.
Why did the officiating crew send Green to the locker room early? Here's a breakdown of the call.
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Why Draymond Green was ejected vs. Grizzlies
With 1:18 remaining in the second quarter, Green committed a hard foul on Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke. Green hit Clarke with his right hand, then dragged him down to the court with his left hand.
Draymond Green was ejected for this flagrant 2 foul. pic.twitter.com/QPYnODEXt1
— ESPN (@espn) May 1, 2022
The Game 1 officials reviewed the play and determined that Green would be ejected for a flagrant-2 foul.
What is the difference between a flagrant-1 and flagrant-2 foul?
Here's how the NBA rulebook defines flagrant-1 and flagrant-2 fouls:
If contact committed against a player, with or without the ball, is interpreted to be unnecessary, a flagrant foul — penalty (1) will be assessed. A personal foul is charged to the offender and a team foul is charged to the team.
If contact committed against a player, with or without the ball, is interpreted to be unnecessary and excessive, a flagrant foul — penalty (2) will be assessed. A personal foul is charged to the offender and a team foul is charged to the team.
Had Green been assessed a flagrant-1 foul, he would have been allowed to remain in the game.
How did the Warriors react to Draymond Green's ejection?
Warriors coach Steve Kerr appeared to be stunned by the call. Green tried to pump up his teammates before heading back to the locker room.
Warriors react to Draymond Green’s ejection from Game 1 vs. Grizzlies for Flagrant Foul 2 pic.twitter.com/9BnbcAMv64
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 1, 2022
Golden State star Stephen Curry had an incredulous smile on his face.
Steph's reaction 😅 https://t.co/945GSxc2hl pic.twitter.com/SLRCG5XQFD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 1, 2022
Will Draymond Green be suspended?
Green likely won't be suspended for that specific play. However, as NBA TV's Jared Greenberg noted, Green will serve an automatic one-game suspension if he commits another flagrant-2 foul during the NBA Playoffs.
His situation could also change if the league decides to downgrade the foul from a flagrant-2 to a flagrant-1.
