Green won't be suspended for kicking Adams in groin
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors has dodged a huge bullet when it comes to major repercussions for his actions Sunday night.
The NBA won't suspend Green for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals after he kicked Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams in the groin during the second quarter of Game 3, the league announced Monday.
Instead, the flagrant-1 foul the All-Star forward received on the play was upgraded to a flagrant 2, and he's been fined $25,000.
"After a thorough investigation that included review of all available video angles and interviews with the players involved and the officials working the game, we have determined that Green's foul was unnecessary and excessive and warranted the upgrade and fine," NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said in an official report.
"During a game, players - at times - flail their legs in an attempt to draw a foul, but Green's actions in this case warranted an additional penalty."
Related: Draymond Green has storied history of flailing legs
With one more flagrant foul, Green would automatically receive a one-game suspension based on the playoff points system.
Following Golden State's 133-105 loss at Chesapeake Energy Arena, Green said his kick to Adams wasn't intentional, whether the 7-foot New Zealand native wanted to believe him or not.
Related: Adams says Green's kick to groin was 'pretty accurate'
It was the second time in the series that Green connected with Adams' nether regions, having done so in Game 2 with his knee on a drive to the basket.
The Thunder own a 2-1 series lead over the defending NBA champions, with Game 4 taking place Tuesday.