Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green received a flagrant foul early in Game 6 against the Houston Rockets Friday night. The infraction adds to Green's history of on-court incidents and moves him closer to a possible suspension during the playoffs.
The foul occurred less than four minutes into the first quarter. Green made contact with Rockets player Jalen Green, striking him in the head.
Officials reviewed the play and assessed a Flagrant 1 foul. They cited the "wind up, impact and follow through" as reasons for the call.
Under league rules, a Flagrant 1 foul results in one flagrant point. A Flagrant 2 foul results in two points. Accumulating four flagrant points during the postseason triggers an automatic one-game suspension.
Green was not ejected from Game 6 but is now just two flagrant points away from a suspension. This point total carries over into subsequent playoff rounds.
Television broadcasters discussed the foul and Green's frequent brushes with league discipline. They noted his competitive nature but pointed out his tendency to cross acceptable boundaries on the court.
Green also argued with officials following the call. Broadcasters questioned the amount of leeway Green receives compared to other players.
The potential for a suspension introduces uncertainty for the Warriors as they navigate their playoff series. Losing Green, a former Defensive Player of the Year, for any game would affect the team's performance.
The series against the Rockets required a Game 7 after Houston won Game 6.
As one broadcaster stated, "It feels sometimes like he’s walking that edge again, which we’ve seen historically."
