Shaq Defends Draymond Green’s Stomp Incident saying “would have done the same”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has defended Draymond Green’s stomp on Domantas Sabonis during the second game of the Western Conference playoff between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, saying he “would have done the same” if someone grabbed his foot the way Sabonis did.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has defended Draymond Green’s stomp on Domantas Sabonis during the second game of the Western Conference playoff between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, saying he “would have done the same” if someone grabbed his foot the way Sabonis did.
During Monday’s episode of “Inside the NBA” on TNT, O’Neal explained that when someone grabs you like that, you have to get them off you, and if you can’t do it by simply running forward, you might have to resort to stomping on them.
However, O’Neal did acknowledge that Green’s actions were dirty and not acceptable in the game.
The incident occurred halfway through the fourth quarter of the game with the Kings leading by four points.
Sabonis fell to the floor after going up for a rebound and became entangled in Green’s legs. Green then lifted his foot and purposely stepped on Sabonis’ chest, resulting in his ejection from the game following a Flagrant 2 foul call.
Sabonis also received a technical foul for grabbing Green’s leg.
Despite the incident, the Kings went on to win the game 114-106, taking a 2-0 series lead over the Warriors.
This is the first time since 2007 that the Warriors have faced a two-game deficit.
After the game, Green argued that he could only step so far and had to pull his leg away, while also taking to Instagram to call out Sabonis for grabbing his leg.
Other players, including Portland Trail Blazers, guard Damian Lillard and Warriors guards, Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, also defended Green’s actions, with Lillard suggesting that Green didn’t intend to step down and Thompson questioning what else he could have done in that situation.
However, Sabonis himself was critical of Green’s behavior, stating that there was no room for such conduct in the game.
Sabonis also revealed that he was protecting himself when he fell to the floor and got pushed, leading to the entanglement with Green’s legs.
The NBA is yet to announce any further action against Green, but it’s likely he will receive a fine for his actions rather than a suspension.
