Draymond Green: Most Controversial Moments From the Warriors Veteran

Draymond Green has built a reputation as one of the smartest players in the NBA but also one of the dirtiest

The Golden State Warriors veteran recently grabbed the headlines for stomping on the chest of Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis

Green has a long list of dirty plays and controversial moments in the NBA

We're just two games into the playoffs, and there have been controversial moments already. Unsurprisingly, Draymond Green is at the center of it all.

The NBA suspended the veteran for stomping on the chest of Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis in Game 2, when the defending champions lost 106-114 to go 0-2 down.

The veteran is known for his competitiveness and antics on the court, which have brought him a fair share of suspensions, fines, and a bad reputation. Green remains one of the most hated players in the NBA.

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Sports Brief looks at the timeline of Green's most controversial moments in the NBA. The list dates back several years ago.

Green hits LeBron James - Game 4 2016 NBA Finals

Green's most infamous incident took place during an epic 2016 NBA Finals. With a few minutes remaining in Game 4, the 33-year-old got tangled up with Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James. James pushed Green to the floor and stepped over him before Green responded by swinging at James in the groin area, per Andscape.

Green was called for a flagrant 1 before he was suspended for Game 5, which the Cavs won on route to their historic title win.

Green kicks Steve Adams - 2016 Western Conference finals

In Game 3 of the 2016 Western Conference Finals, Green was involved in an incident with Oklahoma City Thunder center Steve Adams. Midway through the second quarter, Green drove to the hoop and drew a foul on Adams.

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After a lengthy review, the forward was hit with a Flagrant 1. Moreover, the NBA upgraded it to a Flagrant 2 and fined him $25,000, per NBC Sports.

Green's altercation with Kevin Durant - 2019

Green was involved in a heated argument with then-teammate Kevin Durant on November 12th, 2018, against the Los Angeles Clippers. Green failed to get a shot off at the end of regulation, which sent the game to overtime. On the sidelines, Durant was livid. Green then unleashed a tirade against Durant. The arguments were carried into the locker room, per USA Today.

The Warriors veteran was later suspended for one game without pay for his actions. The suspension would cost Green $120,480. Green's actions reportedly led to Durant leaving the Warriors in 2019.

Green fights with Bradley Beal - 2017

Green and Beal were involved in a physical altercation during a regular season game between the Warriors and the Washington Wizards. It occurred with 23 seconds remaining in the first half. Green blocked Beal and then said a few words to the Wizards' guard. Beal didn't like what Green had to say and took a swing at Green.

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As the camera panned to the two stars, their arms were locked above each other's shoulders. They both fell to the ground, resulting in a tussle as they were separated. Green's shirt was torn badly from the skirmish, per NBC Sports.

They were both ejected from the game, which the Warriors won 120-117. Beal was fined $50,000, while the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year was hit with a $25,000 fine.

Green punches Jordan Poole - 2022

Green's wildest moment came last year before the start of the 2022/23 season. He sucker-punched teammate Jordan Poole. Green was fined and not suspended for his actions. A video of the incident leaked online, resulting in heavy criticism for Green.

The veteran forward later apologized for punching his teammate and stepped away from the team for a few days, per ESPN. Poole later addressed the incident and acknowledged Green's apology.

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Green stomps on Sabonis - Game 2 West first round vs. Sacramento Kings - 2023

Green's latest controversial moment came in Game 2 of their opening round of the NBA playoffs against the Sacramento Kings. Kings sixth man Malik Monk missed a floater, and the ensuing scramble for the rebound resulted in an altercation between Green and Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. The Lithuanian was kicked to the floor and then grabbed Green's leg.

The four-time NBA champion responded by stomping Sabonis on the chest, resulting in a Flagrant 2 and an ejection, per CBS Sports. He defended his actions after the game. Several high-profile NBA players and analysts defended Green's actions. The NBA suspended him for one game.

With his latest suspension, the future Hall of Famer has now received 163 career technical fouls, 17 ejections, and now four suspensions, per ESPN.

O'Neal defends Green

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Sports Brief earlier reported on NBA legend and analysts Shaquille O'Neal defending Green's actions saying he would've done the same thing.

"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."

Several NBA players, like Damian Lillard, defended Green. The Warriors veteran said he had no balance when Sabonis grabbed his leg and had nowhere to land.