Coach Steve Kerr of Golden State Warriors has voiced out his dissatisfaction about the ruling of NBA executives regarding the suspension of Draymond Green for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, a decision highly connected to the actions of Green in the previous game leading to a flagrant foul.
Though the Warriors is in the front seat and leading the seven-game series of the NBA Finals, 3-1, a back-to-back championship title might not be possible yet in the Game 5. The retaliatory action of Green attempting to swipe the groin of LeBron James of Cleveland Cavaliers during the Game 4 has resulted into a flagrant foul one leading to his suspension for the Game 5, and this might affect the defending champs' performance in the following game.
The decision of the league suspending Green for the upcoming game of the series might cost the GWS significantly. It can be remembered the Green's enthusiasm and physical plays helped the Warriors refocused themselves every time they are shoved towards the brink of defeat and when star players, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, are not finding their rhythm in a particular game. That is why GWS head coach Steve Kerr somehow questions the decision of the league and cites the rule to be peculiar as to be applied in the NBA Finals.
"I do think it's curious how somebody who gets knocked out in the first round (of the playoffs), and who has been on vacation for seven weeks, is under the same penalty system as someone who is still playing in the Finals now," USA Today quoted Kerr as saying. "I'm not sure why that's the case. It seems like a strange rule ... That may be something to bring up in the offseason. It does seem a little strange."
With regards to the questions and criticism of some experts and GWS fans, NBA executive vice president of basketball operations and top disciplinarian, Kiki VanDeWeghe, explained the reasons behind the league's decision to suspend Green. VanDeWeghe detailed that the investigation was a tedious process, which included reviewing of player history, game videos, and talks with the referees, including the ones in the replay center.
"The cumulative points system is designed to deter flagrant fouls in our game," The Guardian quoted VanDeWeghe as saying. "While Draymond Green's actions in Game 4 do not merit a suspension as a standalone act, the number of flagrant points he has earned triggers a suspension for Game 5."
Since the decision has been deemed as final and irrevocable, it is now a challenge for the Golden State Warriors to bring out their best despite the absence of a key player and maximize their home court advantage. On the other hand, the Cavaliers could capitalize on this particular scenario and hopefully stretch the series up to Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Watch here below the action of Green in Game 4 that led to his suspension: