The NBA has officially upgraded Draymond Green’s foul against Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey in the third quarter of their Friday night matchup to a Flagrant 1 foul.
Initially, Green had been assessed a transition take foul for the play, but after review, the league determined that Green’s actions warranted a more severe penalty.
The incident took place after a scramble for a loose ball, when Edey made a quick outlet pass to start a fast break.
As the rookie center began running up the court, Green unexpectedly grabbed his leg and pulled him down, halting Edey’s momentum in a way that appeared intentional and dangerous.
This move caught the attention of both the players and coaches on the court, as it seemed out of character for a typical basketball play.
Postgame, Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins addressed the incident, taking issue with how it was handled. While Jenkins had praised Edey’s performance, he expressed disappointment over the sequence of events.
“Overall, I thought Edey was really good tonight,” Jenkins said. “But then there was that one play. We were about to start a fast break, and Edey had been working really hard, trying to make an outlet pass. And then Draymond grabs his leg and pulls him down – yet the play wasn’t reviewed.”
Jenkins seemed especially frustrated by the lack of a review, a crucial point given the nature of the foul.
“I know there’s a code in this league,” Jenkins continued, referencing the unwritten rules of player conduct. “But I don’t understand how that wasn’t reviewed. It was very disappointing not to see the referees take a closer look.”
Jenkins’ remarks underscored a broader concern about player safety and fair play. His frustration stemmed from the idea that certain fouls, especially those deemed unsportsmanlike or dangerous, should automatically warrant a review to ensure proper accountability.
Jenkins’ comments suggested that he felt Green’s actions crossed the line, and the failure to review it was a missed opportunity to hold the player accountable.
Edey, for his part, also weighed in on the incident after the game. He didn’t shy away from expressing his own feelings about the play, making it clear that he didn’t see Green’s actions as part of normal basketball play.
“It definitely wasn’t a basketball play,” Edey remarked, reinforcing his belief that Green’s move was not only unnecessary but also dangerous.
Edey’s statement reflected his frustration not only with being physically pulled down in that manner but also with the way the incident was handled by the officials.
Draymond Green Foul Against Zach Edey Upgraded To Flagrant 1 https://t.co/uTDaXVwi82
— RealGM (@RealGM) November 16, 2024
