Today’s NBA entirely lacks the anything-goes aggression of yesteryear. Your hand checking is kept in check. And that shoulder you threw in the first quarter? Well, you’ll certainly feel that in your bank account come tomorrow.
On Saturday, during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dahntay Jones took a shot at Toronto Raptor Bismack Biyombo’s midsection in the waning moments of their contest. On Sunday, Jones was suspended one game for the shot, business as usual for the league in 2016.
That in and of itself wouldn't have been too big of a deal. Jones is little more than a bit player for the Cavaliers these days. But then, just hours later, in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green did this:
It was the second time in two games that Green tested the NBA’s leniency, after executing a similar play on Wednesday. But this one was worse. Green claimed that he was just “follow[ing] through on a shot” last night, but if you watch the replay, his movements indicate otherwise. He seems to kick upward and perhaps even aim, leading Adams to tell reporters after the showdown: “It happened before, mate. He’s pretty accurate, that guy.”
Last night's game turned into a drubbing, and Oklahoma City walked out of the arena with a 2-1 series lead. So now the question is whether Green, a central cog in the machine that is Golden State, will be suspended for Tuesday’s pivotal Game 4. It’s a decision that the NBA cannot and will not take lightly, given all that is at stake -- but it’s also one that finds the league in a prone position, as it’s suspended a bevy of past players for incidents less egregious.
Who knows what the NBA will hand down. But here’s what we do know. These 7 players have been suspended for less than what Green did last night.
Cleveland's Dahntay Jones, for hitting Toronto's Bismack Biyombo.
Result? One-game suspension.
Boston’s Marcus Smart, for hitting San Antonio’s Matt Bonner.
Result? One-game suspension.
Golden State’s Shaun Livingston, for "hitting" Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki.
Result? One-game suspension.
New York’s J.R. Smith, for hitting Washington’s Glen Rice Jr.
Result? One-game suspension.
Houston’s James Harden, for hitting Cleveland’s LeBron James.
Result? One-game suspension.
Atlanta’s Dennis Schröder, for hitting Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins.
Result? One-game suspension.
Miami’s Dwyane Wade, for kicking Charlotte’s Ramon Sessions.
Result? One-game suspension.
Let's see what the NBA does this time.
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