Shaquille O’Neal Defends Draymond Green for Stomping on Domantas Sabonis

Shaquille O’Neal Defends Draymond Green for Stomping on Domantas Sabonis

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 18, 2023 at 4:10 PM
  • NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has defended Draymond Green for stomping on Domantas Sabonis
  • The incident happened in the fourth quarter of Game 2 between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings
  • The Kings protected home court, winning the game 114-106, and will look to strike a decisive blow in Game 3

Sacramento Kings' incredible Game 2 win over defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors was overshadowed by Draymond Green's stomp on Domantas Sabonis.

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has defended Green's actions, saying he would've done the same thing.

Shaquille O'Neal, NBA, Draymond Green, Warriors, Sacramento Kings
Draymond Green has committed questionable fouls in the playoffs. Photos by Gabe Ginsberg and Ezra Shaw.
Source: Getty Images

Early in the fourth quarter, Sabonis found himself on the floor after a scramble for a rebound following a missed shot. He was then spotted grabbing Green's right leg. The Warriors veteran responded by stomping on the chest of the big man.

He was called for a flagrant 2 and ejected from the game, per CBS Sports. He defended his actions saying the Lithuanian was holding his leg and he had no place to land.

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Green was heavily criticized on social media for his actions.

O'Neal sides with Green

Speaking on "Inside the NBA," O'Neal felt Green had no other choice.

"I'm not going to sit up here and be a hypocrite," O'Neal said. "I'd do the same thing, I really would. ... Don't be grabbing me because what am I gonna do? If I stay there and just try to run forward, I'll fall," via Sporting News.

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard also defended Green.

Meanwhile, the Warriors suffered defeat in Game 2, going 2-0 down in the Stephen Curry era and for the first time since 2007. The Kings registered a 114-106 win to protect home court.

The Warriors are looking to protect home court in Games 2 and 3. They had one of the best home records in the regular season.

Green reacts to ejection and stomp on Sabonis

Sports Brief earlier reported on Green reaction to his ejection after the stomp on Sabonis' chest.

"My leg got grabbed. Second time in two nights. Referees just watch it. I have to land my foot somewhere. I'm not the most flexible person, so that's not stretching. I can only step so far, and I was pulling my leg away. Is what it is," Green said."

He also accused the officials of ignoring fouls on him. He claimed his leg has been grabbed twice now without the referees taking action.

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Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.