The NBA should be ashamed of the officiating in the playoffs, where officials stopped calling fouls, flagrant or otherwise, encouraging the worst kind of violence, with James the worst example of an offender. This is becoming a blood sport, not basketball. What's happening on the court could result in serious injuries to players, unless officials are forced to follow rules.
I guess GSW wants to win it WITH D. Green. LeBron and Irving get 41 each (a first in finals), Cavs take game 5 112-97. Much cleaner game than Saturday's, too.
I hate to repeat myself but:
Follow the money. The TV networks and the N.B.A. want the series to keep going. More games equals more ads equals more money. It really is that simple. Retroactive game suspension flagrant? Ha ! Like far too many things in life, it reduces to money. Silver is not simply the commissioner, he is the FarceMaster Banker, with all the class of Bud Lite..
Follow the money. The TV networks and the N.B.A. want the series to keep going. More games equals more ads equals more money. It really is that simple. Retroactive game suspension flagrant? Ha ! Like far too many things in life, it reduces to money. Silver is not simply the commissioner, he is the FarceMaster Banker, with all the class of Bud Lite..
1
LeBron cannot seem to win by playing better basketball, so he provokes an incident with an opponent. A low-rent move and the NBA fell for it.
Such an odd call seems suspicious. The league has an economic incentive to extend this series.
Green is one of the dirtiest players in the NBA. What he did to Adams was inexcusable and he should have been ejected and suspended then and there. A 26 year old so-called role model acting like a child? He got so wound up he hit the ref? give me a break! This guy need to grow up first, then step back out onto the court.
If you watched the play it was obvious that St. Lebron was as much if not more at fault than Green. Bad, Bad, Bad call.
If this was tried in court, LeBron would culpable as the initial aggressor. Provocation is a defense in many instances. Including this one, when a man tries to step on your head. Wrong guy was suspended. What a detestable small man he is.
So the Warrios has a chip going into tonight's game. Advantage GS. The bench will provide.
LeBron will do anything to win. This includes getting a fine coach, David Blatt, fired and eliminating a star player in the finals. Go Warriors and win it!!!
1
Dragging his balls on the back of the head of Green is an aggressive move on the part of James, baiting Green towards a suspension. James's whining afterwards was just taking something that should have stayed on the floor and tattling to the league. Before this, I just wanted to see a good series. Now, I hope James gets sent home without the title.
4
I admire James without reservation! Having said that this incident was him using his physical strength to push a man to the floor, and then intentionally dis' him knowing he'd get a reaction. Is it that hard to understand his frustration at that moment, or credit his smarts? The refs wanted to let go of the game, and let the play get physical, ok, not my choice, but his is an inordinately stiff penalty for a finals game they were not calling closely.
7
You missed the most important aspect of this story- Barkley's honest statement that Green had a moral obligation to throw that elbow, that it is the expected result of stepping over a down player.
10
As a former player and student of the game, too many people are focused on this one incident. The reality is that there were many other little actions that occurred prior to this incident. 95% of the time it is the events prior that lead to an incident. There are hundreds of little dirty tricks one can use to agitate an opponent which are not seen by the referee (especially off the ball). Green is no saint and has a documented history. LeBron gives as good as he takes which is frequent (just like the beating Chamberlain and Shaq used to take). Green provokes and LeBron returned the favor and got caught. The refs are also accountable as they lost control of the game.
One thing I find mind boggling is the hatred for James as a person. Here is a man who by all accounts is a family man, has not been caught nor mentioned in any drug activity or infidelity and gives generously of his time and money. Dislike him as a basketball player but acknowledge that as a man he is doing all the right things.
The words from Jerry West on LeBron is something more people should read to understand LeBron's greatness despite the lack of championships.
One thing I find mind boggling is the hatred for James as a person. Here is a man who by all accounts is a family man, has not been caught nor mentioned in any drug activity or infidelity and gives generously of his time and money. Dislike him as a basketball player but acknowledge that as a man he is doing all the right things.
The words from Jerry West on LeBron is something more people should read to understand LeBron's greatness despite the lack of championships.
7
This suspension is exactly why NBA Commish Silver should be fired!. This is what happens when a New York Attorney who never played the game becomes commissioner. We need a real former player or coach to head this position. Not some meaningless nobody who never played the sport. These New York Attorneys are destroying American Sport! Fire Silver and hire someone like Bill Bradley, former player and statesman.
9
Lebron certainly took the high road - right over Green. That step-over was uncalled for a disrespectful. You do that in ANY sport, and you get called out for it. In football that would start a fight.
And people who "take the high road" certainly don't need to say that they are doing it.
And people who "take the high road" certainly don't need to say that they are doing it.
11
Green earned the suspension fair and square. Now it's up to the Dubs to win without him. Much like the Lakers beat the Sixers without Kareem. (They had this rookie kid called Johnson. Whatever happened to him anyway?)
1
Don't float your own boat.
Don't give yourself a nickname.
Don't tell people you're taking the high road.
LeBron's a product produced by S. E. Massengill Company
Don't give yourself a nickname.
Don't tell people you're taking the high road.
LeBron's a product produced by S. E. Massengill Company
4
When a controversy-fixated press can't stop asking you the same questions, they need to reminded that *somebody's* trying to be an adult here. Kudos to James.
2
Mr. Cacciola, it might prove relevant to include here that at the same time as this suspension was issued, the NBA also fined Tyronn Lue for disparaging the refs for non-calls (also known as "whining to the league") to Lebron. All of this super-narrative around Lebron is a big part of why I'd never consider him in the same breath as Jordan: With Lebron, it's always about the story of his victimhood. Why can't we watch him play and be done with it, rather than continue having to be subjected to his ongoing narcissist's Complaint. Part of the reason the Warriors are great for the league and fun to watch is that they're _not_ equivalent to a daily run of the Lebron Show. Steph Curry's the MVP, but even when he's off, the team wins big games, and he's not humblebragging about how terribly he's let his team down by not being there for them.
8
The foul: it is difficult to judge fouls watching television, even with all the camera angles and slow motion. At worst, for Green, he and James got their strong arms tangled and pulled each other down. From another perspective, it appears that James got Green in an arm lock and pushed him down and then fell on top of Green. There is no doubt that after that "no foul" call, James purposely and unnecessarily stepped over Green and stood over him for a moment, not letting him get up easily. That was also a "no foul" call. After getting up, finally, Green took a swipe at James, barely brushing him. That was the flagrant foul, called in retrospect. There followed a lot of jawing and a little pushing that was called a double foul.
Is basketball a contact sport or not? The rules are enforced inconsistently from game to game, ref to ref, and player to player. Shaq would go to the basket with three defenders on his back, no call. Some defender brushes the elbow of a jump shooter after he has released the ball and it's a foul. Karl Malone was notorious for kicking his leg on jump shots to initiate contact with a defender who was three feet away, and Malone would get free throws. Don't even try to figure out the charge/block conundrum.
If it's a contact sport, give the players helmets and pads and let them go at it. If it's not a contact sport, enforce all fouls vigorously until the players learn how to play under the rules.
Is basketball a contact sport or not? The rules are enforced inconsistently from game to game, ref to ref, and player to player. Shaq would go to the basket with three defenders on his back, no call. Some defender brushes the elbow of a jump shooter after he has released the ball and it's a foul. Karl Malone was notorious for kicking his leg on jump shots to initiate contact with a defender who was three feet away, and Malone would get free throws. Don't even try to figure out the charge/block conundrum.
If it's a contact sport, give the players helmets and pads and let them go at it. If it's not a contact sport, enforce all fouls vigorously until the players learn how to play under the rules.
8
What I find interesting is that all over the internet this encounter is described differently: Green fell to the floor and James stepped over him, etc. As much as I love the Warriors, Green should have been suspended for the kick on Steven Adams; to be suspended now is simply ridiculous. Lebron is feeling the Bern and like him, his frustration is destroying his brand and his credibility!
4
I agree with Rod below, smirking and telling everyone you are taking the high road is arrogance, "I am higher (better) than you." One thing I have not seen mentioned is the potential racial prejudice in this. Green acting too uppity for the powers at be in the commissioner's office, so they want to bring him down a notch "keep the wild man under control."
3
Green should have been ejected and disciplined way before this. Just for the Stephen Adams incident alone. The Warriors act like they don't sweat anything and are so cool. Their play, especially Bogut and Green is as dirty as dry can be in this league. Klay Thompson is a cry-baby all the time, thats why he thinks others are. Say it to his face, Klay. All the Warriors are too cool for school. God, I wish somebody would just hit Klay Thompson in the face like Danny Ainge hit Mario Elie with the basketball. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN1gfT2IUuo Disappointing that rules and refs and posturing, Golden State style has come to dominate this finals. Warriors are lucky to be here,Cavaliers role players have not been very good, but it is obvious that Draymond Green has been getting away with murder. Should have been suspended for the series. Katy Thompson is lame.
5
I've been watching NBA games since the late 1950s. The refs today are allowing unclean blocks under the basket to go uncalled. Back then and for a few decades, such blocks were fouls. Bill Russell's blocks were very clean and very effective, with the Celt's usually getting the ball. He didn't usually block them out of bounds. Bumping while blocking was a foul. Now with the three, refs are more likely to call a foul on a slight contact trying to block a three than call on a block underneath where the shooter is clobbered. No wonder teams are going more and more to the three. This is changing and somewhat ruining the game. Call some fouls underneath, this court curmudgeon says.
4
It's time for sponsors to pull out of endorsing James. He is no longer a role model of "cool and character!"
8
I have the perfect title for Draymond Green's biography - A Groin Too Far. Would that Cornelius Ryan were here to write it.
4
LeBron James: 32, 6'8", 265 lb of muscle; raised by a single mother, not a hint of scandal, clean living, married with three children, tireless organizer and contributor to charities, film star, business exec, and the best basketball player his generation. Earns hundreds of millions of dollars yearly. Sounds like Superman to me. Would that all the players had a generous dose of his character.
1
Get real! The media, with all the hullaballoo, turns common sense into utter chaos. Draymond barely did anything. He tossed out his arm and made contact, but it really only glanced LeBron, and you have to really stretch the truth to think it was anything more. But like everything else, the media does exactly that, and the league feels "pressure" and makes a bad decision. It's no different than any of the over-broadcast political infighting that leaves the public unable to think straight.
And of course, there is all the hockey-like context that was going on that game. Green ended up in the position in the first place because James tossed him, stepped over him, and the because the refs were letting everything go. The refs missed one blatant call after another and let the game get out of control. To go back and look at this any other way is a joke.
If someone wants to see a real flagrant foul that leads to an ejection, go back and look at the Jerry Stackhouse foul on Shaq, that led to the last ejection in a finals. That's a flagrant-10 by today's rules.
Sadly, the leaders of the NBA, like Adam Silver and Kiki W, succumb to this nonsense. It's really no different than deflategate, or any other political hack job. Let the game be decided on the court, and let a player who has earned it play.
The refereeing in game 4 was horrid. They were letting everything go and making some horrid judgments on top of that. The game had already turned into a scrap fight.
And of course, there is all the hockey-like context that was going on that game. Green ended up in the position in the first place because James tossed him, stepped over him, and the because the refs were letting everything go. The refs missed one blatant call after another and let the game get out of control. To go back and look at this any other way is a joke.
If someone wants to see a real flagrant foul that leads to an ejection, go back and look at the Jerry Stackhouse foul on Shaq, that led to the last ejection in a finals. That's a flagrant-10 by today's rules.
Sadly, the leaders of the NBA, like Adam Silver and Kiki W, succumb to this nonsense. It's really no different than deflategate, or any other political hack job. Let the game be decided on the court, and let a player who has earned it play.
The refereeing in game 4 was horrid. They were letting everything go and making some horrid judgments on top of that. The game had already turned into a scrap fight.
7
Amen!
When its all set and done:
The artificially diminished warriors will have defeated the "Healthy" Cavs
Green at age 26 will have as many rings as Lebron (31)
Lebron's legacy will further deteriorates as a player that just cant get it done
NBA wont get the game 6 or game 7 they desire so much that they were willing to affect the outcome of a series and overrule their own Refs.
Lebron will hit the (high) road and leave Cleveland AGAIN
Green will have learned a valuable lesson.
net-net, it all ends well
The artificially diminished warriors will have defeated the "Healthy" Cavs
Green at age 26 will have as many rings as Lebron (31)
Lebron's legacy will further deteriorates as a player that just cant get it done
NBA wont get the game 6 or game 7 they desire so much that they were willing to affect the outcome of a series and overrule their own Refs.
Lebron will hit the (high) road and leave Cleveland AGAIN
Green will have learned a valuable lesson.
net-net, it all ends well
4
It may sound biased, watch the video, LeBron forearm hits, tosses runs over, knocks down Green to the court floor and steps over him. Green had every right to defend himself; however, his chosen method got him suspended due to previous infraction. Cavs know he is emotional, used it, instead of playing basketball, because the Warriors are the better team (reminds me of the Pistons versus the Bulls). No denying that LeBron is a chump.
8
The game call should have been a flagrant foul on LeBron for throwing Draymond down for no reason and away from the ball. Stepping over him was also a threatening move. Draymond's contact seemed incidental and self protective if anything. But the real outrage is reversing the game call based on video with severe consequences for the man who is arguably the victim. This wouldn't happen in any other sport.
Who knows why? Do the refs have it in for the Warriors. Remember Shaun Livingston being ejected for questioning a non-call? Another potential game changer when Curry's ability to effectively return was in real question. Hopefully. this one will turn out as well and the Dubs will get their rightful revenge on whiny, crafty LeBron.
And despite all the muttering, Draymond Green is no Metta World Peace.
Who knows why? Do the refs have it in for the Warriors. Remember Shaun Livingston being ejected for questioning a non-call? Another potential game changer when Curry's ability to effectively return was in real question. Hopefully. this one will turn out as well and the Dubs will get their rightful revenge on whiny, crafty LeBron.
And despite all the muttering, Draymond Green is no Metta World Peace.
6
A multi-year study of NBA playoff games found that refs call more fouls on a team when it leads a series, especially when the opponent faces elimination. Some claim it's human nature; the team on the ropes gets sympathy. Others say it's league policy, since extending playoffs by keeping the loser alive has financial value.
Unfortunately, with this ruling the NBA seems to confirm it's about the money. James may think he keeps the high road, but stepping over a player you tripped is low.
Unfortunately, with this ruling the NBA seems to confirm it's about the money. James may think he keeps the high road, but stepping over a player you tripped is low.
8
I prefer the game as it's played inside the three point line. I dislike the Warriors style of play and I have assumed that a team with a better inside game would beat them. OKC came close and, of course, I think they played poorly in the last two games. No way I'm giving the Warriors credit. Last year's championship was all about Cavs injuries, not Warrior excellence. So I hope you understand how it hurts me to say this. But, Draymond Green or not the Warriors are not going to lose at home tonight. In fact, they may win by 100. And give the MVP to the guy who has been most valuable at both ends of the court despite not shooting threes, Shaun Livingston.
2
Yeah, very close on that prediction.
James has a lot of class.
2
The NBA standing on principle and calling Green's act a flagrant 1 leading to a one game suspension is laughable. Would it weaken the Warriors with Green out for Game 5? Considerably.
Would it give the Cavs a greater chance to win, extend the series for a game 6 in Cleveland? Yes.
Would that then give the hometown Cavs a greater chance to win Game 6 and extend the series further to a Game 7. Yes.
In my jaded view of Professional Sports and the calculating, money grubbing view of those in control I see this suspension as an opportunity for them to extend the NBA Finals and further enrich themselves financially.
Would it give the Cavs a greater chance to win, extend the series for a game 6 in Cleveland? Yes.
Would that then give the hometown Cavs a greater chance to win Game 6 and extend the series further to a Game 7. Yes.
In my jaded view of Professional Sports and the calculating, money grubbing view of those in control I see this suspension as an opportunity for them to extend the NBA Finals and further enrich themselves financially.
13
This is the finals, let them play and then suspend after the game. As fans, and that's who they play for, we want to see the best final possible.
3
Poor widdow LaBronnie got bumped in the privates......AFTER he pushed Green to the floor!
I'm sick of all the officials' deference to James.
I'm sick of all the officials' deference to James.
7
Much as I Iike the Warriors and much as I like Draymond Green, I never like it when any athlete plays out of control and without regard for their opponents safety. It's highly unsporstmanlike. There's no excuse for what Draymond did to Steve Adams, so Draymond has had this suspension coming. I hope he learns from this.
1
Refs should be making the calls on sight. Green's suspension after the NBA's two day rumination over his alleged infraction is political mumbo jumbo. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I miss David Stern. Adam what sis name is a colorless sham of a commissioner.
2
Stepping over an opposing player is not taking the high road.
Words are great. Actions speak louder. Draymond probably got what he deserved. LeBron probably didn't.
Words are great. Actions speak louder. Draymond probably got what he deserved. LeBron probably didn't.
3
The league has to, at least, attempt to create the appearance of justice (retroactively), and Green should have been suspended in the OKC series, so this kind of makes up for it. In the end however, this will have no impact on the outcome of the series. In past playoffs, people complain even louder when technicalities determine the outcome of a series, so, I'd say that relatively speaking, Green's one-game suspension is not that big of a deal.
1
Can Dray or the Warriors sue the NBA for stealing his moment of winning a championship? If GSW wins tonight, there will be no celebration for him with his teammates as he is not allowed in the building. No post-game interviews. No champagne. And if he was being considered to be the Best Finals MVP, that's gone now. Lebron stole that moment for him, too.
It was a desperate move by Lebron, irked as he was that the game was slipping away from his team. How is he a sore loser? Look at this last 44 seconds of Game 4, when game is about over. Lebron tries to throw down Curry who complains to the ref. Lebron then inserts himself into Curry's talk with ref. He didn't need to be in that talk and the quizzical look on Curry says it all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K67vO7cHf7o
It was a desperate move by Lebron, irked as he was that the game was slipping away from his team. How is he a sore loser? Look at this last 44 seconds of Game 4, when game is about over. Lebron tries to throw down Curry who complains to the ref. Lebron then inserts himself into Curry's talk with ref. He didn't need to be in that talk and the quizzical look on Curry says it all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K67vO7cHf7o
4
From the taped angle I saw, ref #43 was Right There, looking at the incident within ten feet, and he called ... Nothing. And Draymond walked away as LeBron continued to bait him.
This seems to be yet another case where the NBA considers contact with Mr. James' generals to be its exclusive province. Enough.
This seems to be yet another case where the NBA considers contact with Mr. James' generals to be its exclusive province. Enough.
5
The N.B.A. is no longer a legitimate sport and it doesn't even try to be. This ruling is transparent nonsense, driven not by concern for justice or the integrity of the game but by a desire to increase revenue. It's an insult to fans of the game. Lebron threw him down then stepped over him. What Green did was nothing. Lebron also threw Curry around like a rag doll. No fouls were called. It's not even worth watching when there are no actual rules.
6
All Green did was to get up as quickly as possible. James should never have stepped over him. If the Warriors win the fans should boo Silver when he presents the trophy for this CS finding.
2
Green is auditioning for the NBA thug role. It's a GAME, fellows! The main reason it devolved into shoving and cursing is that the refs "let them play" and never really did their job. Perhaps that's what the league wants to boost interest in today's boring outside shooting contests - a mixture of basketball and hockey.
1
Clearly Draymond plays a little dirty. As a Knicks fan I loved Charles Oakley and he was scrappy and sometimes dirty. I think all the stuff with flagrant fouls and things like that is kind of lame, but if you go along with the rules, there's nothing that bad about stepping over someone. Draymond steps over people all the time. He's always doing all the little things to be physical and add a level of intimidation. The nut punching and kicking though...I think that is clearly flagrant by the rules and all you warriors fans that protest should just accept that he does these things on purpose and for the most part it's awesome and sometimes he gets caught. He got caught.
3
NBA seeks a level of respectability and class but in the end it becomes a WWF 'show' of constant trash talk, flagrant fouls, immature behavior and no leadership from the League. Suspending Green two days after the incident demonstrated how inept this League has become. Seems they want to stretch this series all the way to 7 games for the revenue. Maybe, but many are completely turned off already.
3
Has anyone considered the NBA assessed this technical foul against Green to somehow prolong the finals? Look again at the incident with 2:48 left in the game. It appears James is the aggressor as Green walks away. Why didn't James get a technical foul also?
More games equals more $$$ for the NBA so they can show their 5-minute TV ads 3x per hour.
More games equals more $$$ for the NBA so they can show their 5-minute TV ads 3x per hour.
4
He did.
Put a GoPro camera on LeBron's left elbow. Then tell me the refs are getting it right. He didn't even flinch when the alleged swipe by Green took place.
1
The officiating in this series has been consistently awful, mostly benefiting Lebron and the Cavs. Not that it's been enough to even the series. Lebron, in particular, has made a career of forearm push-offs, traveling, and lazy defense. and yet he is called for very few fouls. To suspend Green for a situation Lebron initiated is simply ridiculous... and it still won't be enough to rescue the Cavs. To quote the orange-haired one: they are losers.
3
Do not be tough on these men, particularly Mr. James. There are not many teenagers who go straight from school to play in the NBA with distinction. LeBron James is one. He has made some changes in his career that have been reasonably questioned. He assumes, as do others in different occupations, that being a star player makes him infallible in all things Basketball. Have you ever asked an orthopedist about the Zeta virus? You'll probably get a dissertation which does not include a correction of Zeta to Zika and an explanation that he had spent his/her professional life except the first year in Orthopedics. He will play into your belief that every doctor knows about everything medical. Lebron and Draymond clearly have their teenage subcortical moments even while playing super adult basketball. As a grandparent I do have my moments of officiating (in front of the TV) when my guy (LeBron) is perceived by a referee to have done wrong. In the absence of a spouse and child I may gesticulate and offer advice. That's the end of my story but Messrs. Green and James have to continue facing off. A little steam coming from a pressure cooker is quite normal. Give 'em a break!
2
The first thing I thought when I saw that play was that James should have been called for basically using a wrestling move to take Green to the floor in the first place. The refs let all this action go- some much worse- and then the league makes a decision like this after the fact? Shameful. Sounds like ESPN and ABC want to fill more airtime but stretching out the series.
6
Is this a news article or an op ed? "Green has always had a tendency to treat games like high-wire acts." I am sorry: I don't believe this writer should be so casual in guiding the reader's perception of the player. Every game is a high-wire act for players of this caliber. This is editorializing. And so is this: "The Warriors sounded edgy about the situation."
This isn't reporting, either: "After Sunday’s practice, Thompson basically accused James of being a crybaby."
Without "basically" it's nearly there. But how about "After Sunday's practice, Thompson said, "... ."
This isn't reporting, either: "After Sunday’s practice, Thompson basically accused James of being a crybaby."
Without "basically" it's nearly there. But how about "After Sunday's practice, Thompson said, "... ."
I think a finger should be pointed at the ref's they let to many obvious fouls go. When personal fouls are not called the game gets out of hand. Even Mark Jackson commented on the bad officiating.
1
Hey fans, ease up.
If the suspension results in a GSW loss in Game 5, it only means more great b-ball suspense.
Ask yourself: Would you really have wanted this series to end in a sweep?
If the suspension results in a GSW loss in Game 5, it only means more great b-ball suspense.
Ask yourself: Would you really have wanted this series to end in a sweep?
..." said Kiki Vandeweghe and Adam Silver, in explaining why it made perfect sense to suspend perhaps the dominant team's most important player in advance of that team likely clinching the finals series in a lopsided 4-1 victory on its home court.
If anyone really thinks this has anything to do with Lebron _or_ Draymond, they really aren't getting the NBA's obvious agenda: make this a series, build the suspense, drive ratings.
Since Lebron sits comfortably on his perch in the non-competitive Eastern Conference, the best they could come up with was the Western Conference Finals. The second best they could come up with was this weak suspension.
If anyone really thinks this has anything to do with Lebron _or_ Draymond, they really aren't getting the NBA's obvious agenda: make this a series, build the suspense, drive ratings.
Since Lebron sits comfortably on his perch in the non-competitive Eastern Conference, the best they could come up with was the Western Conference Finals. The second best they could come up with was this weak suspension.
3
Watch for this in Game 5: LeBron tossing opposing players around like rag dolls. LeBron driving to the basket and quickly straight-arming the defender, no matter whether said defender is "set" or not. LeBron rebounding while holding his opponent's shoulder down. LeBron hooking his opponent's arm and either sweeping his leg under the opponent or simply muscling him to the floor. LeBron driving to the basket and being well-defended, whereupon he will take five or six steps before attempting to pass the ball.
None of these infractions will be called. That's his game.
None of these infractions will be called. That's his game.
14
LbJ makes his move to the basket. First he plants his left hand on the defender's chest and extends his elbow, then he lowers his left shoulder to bulldoze through opponents like Jim Brown of another Cleveland team. When the ball is whistled dead, LbJ heads for the nearest ref to complain that no foul was called.
When LbJ took over the Cavs, he apparently got Adam Silver thrown in as part of the deal.
When LbJ took over the Cavs, he apparently got Adam Silver thrown in as part of the deal.
2
This is not right suspending Green. Le Bron was just as guilty if not more. And I am rooting for Cleveland.
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
9
When James goes inside, he can't finish. In fact, he's averaging 6 turnovers per game. His outside shooting is substandard, And few of his passes have been sharp. Last year, James made it a series all by himself. This year he's got Irving and Love and much more. In fact, the other Cavs have generally played well. The Warriors defense on James has been incredible, particularly when compared with last year. James wants to win as much as any player in the NBA. But he surely sees the handwriting on the wall. And it doesn't help when Green plays head games with him.
3
Having lost on the court, James began pushing and holding Green and Curry. Steph didn't fall for the bait, but Green did unfortunately, forgetting in the heat of the moment that his team was up ten points with little time left. Next time, let's hope Green thinks ahead like a chess player without losing perspective.
5
In games 3 and 4 of this series the officials obviously tried to level the playing field for LeBron and stretch the series. After reeling from the officiating in game 3 the Warriors came back and out played the Cavs and the tilted playing field. LeBron was given free reign to push, trip and grab opposing players. Then to add insult to injury the league has stepped in and suspended a dynamic Warrior player who did no more than complain after being shoved to the floor and stepped over by LeBron. It appears that the league has stepped in and pushed a Warrior player out of game 5 to save the Cavs and prolong the series. Basketball to them is just a source of money and "stars" are granted carte blanche to further burnish their images and increase their ability to generate profits for the league and the teams. If the games were objectively officiated the NBA might be playing real basketball again. Of course if the officials and league were not allowed to intervene and tip the playing field, this series would probably be over already and the profits from further games would be lost.
6
What was LeBron's groin doing over Draymond's head? What a joke.
9
Without taking sides in this Morality Play, I confess to an eager anticipation of the fans' reaction to all things LeBron Monday night. Will he be loudly booed at every touch of the ball for four quarters? And how will he respond? Those are not rhetorical questions and I can't wait to learn the answers.
1
Should the Warriors win, the roaring cheers will be deafening. All for Lebron's benefit.
2
Lebron is a fullback on a basketball court. He lowers his shoulder charges and ten extends his elbow and arm shoving people over. He gets away with this all the time. The game we saw was the worst officiating ever. The referees should be suspended and fined.
What I saw was Lebron grabbimg Green at 1/2 court . throwing himeto the floor and stepping over him. That was the foul and it was flagrant no attempt to get at the ball since no one had the ball. Green did make a mistake by swiping at him. However the foul was on lebron not Green. The way that the cavs ream grabs Curry, bumps him, shoves him is a mugging on each play.
What I saw was Lebron grabbimg Green at 1/2 court . throwing himeto the floor and stepping over him. That was the foul and it was flagrant no attempt to get at the ball since no one had the ball. Green did make a mistake by swiping at him. However the foul was on lebron not Green. The way that the cavs ream grabs Curry, bumps him, shoves him is a mugging on each play.
10
When is James going to realize his criticisms are self-destructive, arrogant and inappropriate? ie, complaining about Curry getting MVP 2 yrs in a row, claiming he (James) was the "Best" bb player ever, and now, attacking Green when James was the one to foul and play dirty?
The only thing James has done is UNITE THE WARRIORS to see James humiliate himself in Game 5. I can't wait. I am no longer a LeBron James fan.
The only thing James has done is UNITE THE WARRIORS to see James humiliate himself in Game 5. I can't wait. I am no longer a LeBron James fan.
4
Outrageous. LeBron totally instigated that situation by stepping over him for the purpose of disrespecting him.
6
As a Phoenix Suns fan, I have no dog in this fight. However, as an NBA fan going on 25 years, I am big fan of Draymond Green's game. His antics, both on and off the court, not so much. That being said, if he were on my team, Mr Green would absolutely be my favorite player - no doubt about it.
4
The league has seemed clearly to want a seven game series. They allowed, or more likely encouraged, two barely officiated brawls in Cleveland, and now the suspension of Green, who was clearly provoked by James, who knocked him down and stepped over him in a clear provocation. James is an outstanding talent but he, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony are, I hope, the last vestiges of ego-ball, to be forever replaced, I hope, by Bill Russell/Celtics', Steven Curry/Warriors'-style team ball. The suspension of Green is a disgrace, LeBron James is a bully, and Scott Cacciola should review the game films.
8
The NBA got it right, but Mr Green's very consistent propensity for contact with opposing player's private parts will likely not change. Got cups?
4
Let's be frank, in fact let's be LeBron, you are the NBA's corporate singsong man and you need an advantage as you are down 3 games to 1. Everyone, particularly Adam Silver, knows there is more profit in having a sixth game rather than a series ending fifth game, knowing such a game is in Cleveland where CEO LeBron would have a much better chance now that Draymond Green would be back in the game. And it certainly is forgivable that Mr. James initiated the whole thing by dispatching Mr. Green hard to the court on his back. Possibly someday, Mr. Green, a player on a much better team, will enjoy the privilege of issuing sound bites to goad the NBA into deliberation with the end result being a very profitable flagrant, um, foul.
13
Green's intensity gets the better of him sometimes, but every truly great team needs one such player.
7
Not enough Dellavedova coverage.
9
Follow the money. Green gets suspended for getting pushed to the ground and having LeBron step over him, but does not get suspended for kicking Adams. What is the logic? Money. The NBA wants to see a game 6 just as they wanted to see another game with OKC. Every additional game is worth $250M to the NBA. Expect the refs to be on the side of the CAVs in game 6 also. The refs, the announcers, and the NBA all make more $$$ if it goes to more games. This is not as bad a pro-westling, but it is close.
11
Funny how nobody ever brings up this conspiracy theory when a series only goes four or five games... which happens often in the postseason, including this one.
What game 6?
They should have suspended Green after he kicked Adams. For some reason the refs think it is okay to return to "old school" basketball in the finals and have allowed execessive contact. Given that, and the questionable nature of what happened between Green and James, this is a very poor decision from the NBA.
Steph has brought myriad new fans to the sport. This decision by the NBA, coupled with Green's kick against Adams, has soured this fan from watching next year.
Steph has brought myriad new fans to the sport. This decision by the NBA, coupled with Green's kick against Adams, has soured this fan from watching next year.
6
Watch footage of 'old school'. Our memories deceive us. Sure there was the odd close line incident and hard foul knocking player to floor, but even the bad boy pistons were gentlemanly compared to OKC vs. GS and Game 4 Cavs vs Warriors was a rugby scrum. Soft warriors just kept hitting shots, cutting and hitting open man.
And sorry old timers, your defense would not have contained Curry and Thompson.
And sorry old timers, your defense would not have contained Curry and Thompson.
1
Pathetic. Men acting like children.
6
Think of the uproar at a youth game if players were allowed to play that way. And Barkely and Jackson seem to condone 'hard fouls'. Yeah if that skinny kid keeps making those amazing outside shots, knock him down a few times.
One of the most unfair calls ever. Maybe Draymond had a lot of no calls and other real fouls in the playoffs. This was not one of them. Everyone can see Lebron was the aggressor in that situation.
39
NYT...You might have mentioned that Lebron was assessed retroactive technical for his role in this incident. I guess that's meant to acknowledge his role in fomenting this little fracas. Uneven justice in my view.
27
it still comes back to the lack of consistency in the judging.
after laying draymond over his leg with a backward swipe of his left arm, then stepping over him with more effort than it would have taken to go around him, james went on to shove curry around like a petulant bully.
it will be fun to see the warriors win without green.
after laying draymond over his leg with a backward swipe of his left arm, then stepping over him with more effort than it would have taken to go around him, james went on to shove curry around like a petulant bully.
it will be fun to see the warriors win without green.
48
There was just the slightest pause where James appears to decide to step over Green - it wasn't done because of momentum or a need to maintain balance. Official no. 43 has a great angle and calls no foul. I can't find any attempt to hit James in the groin.
58
"I've been taking the high road for thirteen years..." Gee, I guess everyone else has been driving in the ditch!
14
I've watched almost every Warriors game this season, and many more throughout the last few years and I've never seen Curry as fired up as he was in game 4. Steph Curry is the coolest cucumber in the NBA, and even HE looked like he was ready to throw a punch at LeBron. James is in danger of completely screwing up his legacy if he doesn't stop the pro-wrestling gig he's started. (High road... Riight)
1
Green must have the worst luck. He just keeps "accidentally" hitting other players in the groin.
He plays dirty. He deserves to be punished. That's not how you play the game. The NBA got it right. If you think Green is innocent you're "nuts."
He plays dirty. He deserves to be punished. That's not how you play the game. The NBA got it right. If you think Green is innocent you're "nuts."
20
Is there a multi-camera slow-motion replay of this alleged foul? I am unable to identify a shot to the groin. All I see is Green scrambling to his feet as LeBron steps over him. I guess Green was supposed to give LeBron the right-of-way and not try to get back into the play until LeBron was safely passed.
2
If you saw something other than LeBron dragging his hallowed groin across Draymond's head, you're "blind".
And Barkley's comment?
Not saying Green didn't earn his new technical, especially after the job he did on Adams, but did you see LeBron at the press conference going on about he's "always taken the high road? Right. I guess like he did pushing Green to the floor and then stepping over him. Very classy.
In LeBron's universe, he's always treated unfairly, he's always under appreciated, he's always doing everything possible even as his teammates are letting him down. A petulant, whining man-child with preternatural athletic gifts and skill sets, not to mention the courage to take solid political stances. As long as he's stroked early and often. Weird, unsettling combination.
In LeBron's universe, he's always treated unfairly, he's always under appreciated, he's always doing everything possible even as his teammates are letting him down. A petulant, whining man-child with preternatural athletic gifts and skill sets, not to mention the courage to take solid political stances. As long as he's stroked early and often. Weird, unsettling combination.
67
One of the best reader takes.
1
Follow the money. The TV networks and the N.B.A. want the series to keep going. More games equals more ads equals more money. It really is that simple. Retroactive game suspension flagrant? Ha ! Like far too many things in life, it reduces to money. Silver is not simply the commissioner, he is the FarceMaster.
33
My immediate reaction when the Warriors sleep-walked through Game 3.
Wait a doggone minute. I watched the video over and over again. James, after pushing Green to the floor, put an exclamation point on it by choosing to step over him, rather than the many available directions he could have gone. This was, at the least, at the least an attempt to keep Green on the floor longer, and at the most making a put down gesture. Greens response ought to have been getting up quickly to knock James to the floor while stepping over him rather than around him, which would have been less risky.
Perhaps this will be the motivation for the Warriors to put them away in game 5.
Perhaps this will be the motivation for the Warriors to put them away in game 5.
53
This is exactly what I thought!
Marc,
Warriors WILL put the game away in 5! They're pretty angry and determined and the entire SF Bay area is wearing shirts and showing off other memorabilia to support the Warriors tonight.
Warriors WILL put the game away in 5! They're pretty angry and determined and the entire SF Bay area is wearing shirts and showing off other memorabilia to support the Warriors tonight.
1
There are technical considerations that nobody is mentioning. First of all, the league did not suspend Green as a matter of discretion. They assessed him a flagrant 1. Because of his past flagrant fouls in the playoffs, he had accumulated three flagrant points, which automatically results in a suspension. Second, a foul is deemed a flagrant 1 if there is no basketball purpose in the contact. When James stepped over Green, he had an arguable justification. When Green hit James, the only possible purpose was revenge. It wasn't much of a hit, of course, so the question here is whether it was a foul. I don't think so. But if it was a foul, it was unquestionably flagrant.
8
The ref was right there and called no foul. Secondly, James was out of control with rage at the end of the game. He could have easily extricated himself without stepping over Green's head and rubbing his crotch in his face. James will soon be 2-5 in the playoffs.
it's not clear to me from watching the video that Green even made contact with James. Apparently it was a flagrant attempt to commit a foul.
1
Andre Iguadala will step up in Draymond's absence and win a second straight series MVP, on Monday June 13th. You read it here first!
22
I think you're absolutely correct. Andre's gonna play 40. Obviously, bench players will get more time but they're so capable it probably won't matter for one game. Too bad for Draymond, but he does need to chill a little bit.
1
One of the worst ref'd games I've ever seen. Lots of fouling not called on both sides. The refs should be penalized.
31
Completely agree. Even the TV crew mentioned the difference between the ambiguous "let them play" and the worse "missing lots of fouls." In this game, it was the latter. Lots of nasty stuff away from the ball, too.
1
Hey, I understand that NBA is giving the Dubs this handicap to make the game more competitive. I believe the rest of the team will take the court very focused. The Cavs will lose this Finals series with a different asterisk -- they would lose the deciding game with the opponent not playing the likely MVP of the Finals.
25
Nobody thinks Green deserves the MVP. Maybe you're thinking of Iguodala or my personal choice, Livingston.
LeBron is a superstar and he has never played dirty. So he gets the benefit of the doubt. Still, he is clearly frustrated in this series, and it shows. If he keeps getting into scuffles and showing up the refs, he should be treated like a trouble make on the court like, say, Draymond Green.
10
Has never played dirty? I wonder how you classify baiting. The King's hesitation step-over was textbook baiting. Draymond was foolish enough to retaliate, but James knew exactly what he was doing.
Just as the league underreacted when Green drop-kicked Stephen Adams in the groin in the Oklahoma City series, they overreacted here. James instigated the whole even by throwing Green down and stepping over him. Green reached out and barely made contact. But Green and the Warriors cannot complain as what goes around, comes around. Suck it up and play hard. The suspension is only one game. The Warriors will have Green back for two more games if the series goes seven, and game seven will be at home.
16
SO SICK OF LEBRON JAMES! He is an arrogant, entitled HAS-BEEN. Yes he is good and once he was great, but his petulant and haughty attitude makes fans like me repulsed.
GO WARRIORS!
GO WARRIORS!
49
NBA "No Boys Allowed" -Don Nelson
The NBA Championships have always been extremely "physical." Remember Bill Laimbeer and the Detroit Pistons? Many fouls are not called when the referees give the home team a distinct home court advantage. Some uncalled fouls would amount to "assault and battery" if the players were in their street clothes.
Lebron rarely gets called for his obvious fouls on less acclaimed (or protected) players.
The past record of games between these two teams and the current series have already shown that the Golden State Warriors are the decidedly better and deeper team. Let us hope that the outcome of this competition is decided on the court by the players.
The NBA Championships have always been extremely "physical." Remember Bill Laimbeer and the Detroit Pistons? Many fouls are not called when the referees give the home team a distinct home court advantage. Some uncalled fouls would amount to "assault and battery" if the players were in their street clothes.
Lebron rarely gets called for his obvious fouls on less acclaimed (or protected) players.
The past record of games between these two teams and the current series have already shown that the Golden State Warriors are the decidedly better and deeper team. Let us hope that the outcome of this competition is decided on the court by the players.
53
Agree!!!
3
Watch footage of Bad Boys. (In fact, any of 1980 -90's playoffs.) claims that this Era is soft are badly mistaken. NBA has chosen not to enforce rules such as traveling, pushing, moving screen and out of control rush to the basket "creating contact and drawing fouls' and almost eliminated shot making skill. It sad, except warriors have found a way around it, by, (surprise), being able to hit outside shots.
1
I enjoy watching well played basketball from any era and especially like watching today's Warriors and Spurs, both of which use a team approach to both offense and defense. Both of these teams execute well and move the ball to the open man. Great teams beat great stars!
As if the NBA were a neutral arbitrator of this whole matter. They have a distinct interest in this series going as long as possible. We're used to LeBron getting special treatment on the court, but now it seems he gets it in the press room too. Go Warriors.
42
The NBA is all about money. Period. Money.
15
I think it is fair to say that James is the best basketball player alive and that he is the most disliked basketball player alive.
I wonder where he will take his "talents" next.
I wonder where he will take his "talents" next.
3
You should mention that to whoever votes for MVP. A skinny guy, who is short (for the NBA) won it again this year, and if I recall he did so with no dissension, if you are not included.
When you're up 3-1, motivation is an issue. If you're missing a minor player, that seldom matters. If you're missing your team leader, that can be crippling. But when you're missing someone in between, it can give you the missing motivation without being crippling. Warriors in a walkover.
14
Suspect ruling by the NBA. If he was to merit a suspension it would have been his actions against Adams. The timing of this considering what transpired and the impact this could have on extending the series smells like a business decision.
43
The league and the media has been enabling Draymond Green's ridiculous excesses through out the playoffs. Why does there have to be a pattern of hitting and kicking opponents in the groin? It's equally ridiculous to celebrate this "competitiveness". Why can't the media call his play what it is...."dirty"?
8
Heck Dennis Rodman kicked them in the groin, punched, held, tripped....and he was a hero in Chicago. Best team ever....with the help of the referees!
13
"On Friday, after James pushed Green to the court late in the fourth quarter and tried to step over him, Green retaliated by swiping at James..."
Correction: "...and stepped over him". There was no trial there. James stepped over him. It was rude. It was offensive. It was meant to provoke. It was calculated. It was cynical. It got LBJ what he wanted.
Correction: "...and stepped over him". There was no trial there. James stepped over him. It was rude. It was offensive. It was meant to provoke. It was calculated. It was cynical. It got LBJ what he wanted.
102
I concur.
As Yoda said, "Do or do not, there is no try." LeBron did step over Draymond on purpose, with malice aforethought. It was, as others have noted elsewhere, a passive aggressive move by LeBron in keeping with his past actions that accomplished what he wanted - Draymond is out.
It was beneath LeBron to do so. He's a very talented player who does good things for the community.
The Warriors will still win.
As Yoda said, "Do or do not, there is no try." LeBron did step over Draymond on purpose, with malice aforethought. It was, as others have noted elsewhere, a passive aggressive move by LeBron in keeping with his past actions that accomplished what he wanted - Draymond is out.
It was beneath LeBron to do so. He's a very talented player who does good things for the community.
The Warriors will still win.
17
Green ought to show up at the Oracle arena to cheer on his teammates, and split the $140,000 fine with the Warriors organization--$70,000 on Green, $70,000 on the Warriors organization. Come to the game, Draymond, and give from the sidelines the same energy and intensity you display in games, and I'm sure the Warriors, with their depth of bench support players, will prevail in the 5th game. Lebron James' actions, knocking Green down, and stepping over him tempers the decision of whether the accidental flinging of Green's arm as he rose was a flagrant foul. He was rising, and off balance, and while his hand may have made contact with James' groin area, it clearly was not intentional. The hitting of James' arm was. This does not deserve a suspension. I hope the Warriors humiliate Cleveland in game 5.
64
3Humiliate3 aka Triple Humiliate Cubed.
7
I have watched the video at least a half a dozen times and still don't get whar the NBA saw to justify this. If Lebron's groin made contact with any part of Green it was due to his stepping over him. Moreover, the refs share the blame for repeatedly failing to call obvious fouls and allowing things to get out of hand.
80
Hey ref's, just call it consistently both ways. King James cannot be allowed to through people around like he has been doing - and yes, it is ok to call traveling (a player travels by illegally moving his or her pivot foot or taking three or more steps without dribbling the ball).
49
More than 2 steps is a travel. James picks up the ball, lowers his shoulder, and bulls his way to the basket, a combination travel + charge. He also got away with a fragrant double-dribble in game 4. He is too good for this, he doesn't have to do it, but it's never or rarely called. Amazingly, Igoudala and Livingston were able to strip the ball from James while falling backwards, a couple of times in game 4.
1
Phantom foul.
40
Saying you're taking the "high road" isn't taking the high road... James is turning into Michael Jordan, another cry baby.
The NBA should let these "men" fight like the men in NHL. I can't stand seeing a full size man get smacked in the wrist and then hit the floor like spine was just removed by Predator... Gimme a break.
The NBA should let these "men" fight like the men in NHL. I can't stand seeing a full size man get smacked in the wrist and then hit the floor like spine was just removed by Predator... Gimme a break.
17
James: I'm a father of 3, I'm a husband, I deserve respect. That's why I show the world my judo skills by pushing on the shoulder of Dray and sweep him with my leg. I'm the JUDO MVP. That's how it's done. Oh wait, is it NBA or Judo tournament? It's Judo right? Oh well, it's basketball final, judo move on opponent is justified, after all, I'm a respectable NBA player n father of 3. I need to show my children the correct way of playing basketball with Judo tackle!
37
Nba must have had a special camera angle--the 'lebron' angle--for this one. Green maybe something of a prima donna, but when lebron did the step over, all green would have had to do is just try to move...it will be interesting to see if lebron also gets more foul calls in game 5.
35
Not to mention that he tossed Curry around on an inbound play at the end of the game giving rise to another verbal confrontation between Curry and Lebron. And no foul was called on Lebron. Call it the LBA (Lebron Basketball Association) not the NBA.
2
Just what was deserved. An athlete like LeBron James has earned respect many times over. I love the Warriors, but they need to always respect the great players they compete against at the highest level.
2
So, what's the gesture of respect you're expecting to see when someone pushes you to the floor and then keeps you from getting up by standing over you?
56
Well said.
4
So, let me get this straight....James gets to grab people, pull them down (all the time), hack players at will, then step over them and he then whines that he gets no calls? The officiating in general is what turned me off to the NBA years ago....this is all about making sure the series goes enough games that the TV advertisers feel they got their money's worth. This is not basketball, it is a joke.
54
what abt the adams saga? green is a dirty player which ppl forget, he should have been not playing the finals throwing kicks around like a whiny baby