The NBA has upgraded Draymond Green’s foul on Memphis’ Zach Edey to a category-one flagrant after reviewing the play from Friday’s game, where the Golden State Warriors beat the Grizzlies 123-118.
The foul occurred with 7:06 left in the third quarter. Green had lost his balance while driving and fell near Edey’s feet. As he was on the ground, Green seemed to swing his left leg outward and used his elbow and side to trap Edey’s right ankle, restricting his movement. Edey then tripped over Green’s leg, and a personal foul was called.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins was upset after the game, saying, “Draymond grabs his leg and pulls him down and it doesn’t get reviewed. I know there’s a code in this league and I don’t understand how that wasn’t reviewed. Very disappointing.”
If the foul had been called a flagrant during the game, Memphis would have received two free throws and possession of the ball. Instead, it was ruled a transition-take foul, giving Memphis one free throw and possession.
Edey commented, “It wasn’t a basketball play, if that’s what you’re asking. Definitely wasn’t a basketball play.”
Later in the game, Green was ejected after receiving two technical fouls in just 33 seconds during the fourth quarter. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he didn’t get a clear explanation for the second technical foul.
Green, who finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, responded, “I don’t need an explanation. I did my job. My job was done for the night. Moving on.”
Last season, Green was suspended indefinitely by the NBA, missing 16 games, after hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face. The suspension was due to Green’s “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” and came shortly after he was banned for five games for putting Minnesota center Rudy Gobert in a headlock during an altercation.
