Golden State could be without Draymond Green if the NBA deems that his kick to Steven Adams' groin in Sunday's Game 3 was intentional.
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Officials called a flagrant 1 foul on Green in the second quarter when the Warriors forward tried to draw a foul near the basket. Green, who was adamant the kick was an accident, could face a suspension after the league reviews the incident.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr says any type of punishment is nonsense, telling reporters afterward that he expects the NBA to reverse the call.
"Stuff like that happens all the time," Kerr said. "There's contact, people's arms, legs flailing. If they think it's on purpose, play the game, you know. This stuff happens all the time. (Russell) Westbrook kicks his feet out on every 3, and there is contact. I mean, that's just part of the game. So I don't understand how that can be deemed a flagrant 1. I think it should be rescinded."
The Thunder, who dominated in a 133-105 victory for a 2-1 series lead, said Green deliberately tried to injure Adams.
"Honestly, I think it's intentional," Westbrook told reporters. "That's two times in the last two games. I don't think you can keep (hitting) somebody in their private areas."
Adams, who was kicked on a similar play in Game 2, fell to the floor in agony. He also wasn't buying the unintentional explanation from Green and Kerr.
"I mean, it happened before, mate," Adams said. "He's pretty accurate, that guy."
Green told ESPN he plans to reach out to Adams and apologize.