Shaq defends Draymond Inexperienced over stomp: ‘I would do the identical factor’


Basketball Corridor of Famer Shaquille O’Neal got here to the protection of Golden State Warriors star Draymond Inexperienced after he stepped on the chest of Sacramento Kings ahead Domantas Sabonis in Recreation 2 of their playoff matchup on Monday evening.

The incident between the 2 gamers occurred within the fourth quarter. Sabonis was attempting to go for the offensive rebound on a missed shot when he hit the ground close to Inexperienced’s ft. Sabonis appeared to seize Inexperienced’s proper leg because the ahead was attempting to maneuver up the ground. Inexperienced tried to interrupt free as he was strolling over Sabonis.

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts to being called for a foul for stepping on Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, April 17, 2023.

Golden State Warriors ahead Draymond Inexperienced (23) reacts to being known as for a foul for stepping on Sacramento Kings ahead Domantas Sabonis throughout the second half of Recreation 2 within the first spherical of the NBA basketball playoffs in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, April 17, 2023. (Alokito Mymensingh 24 Picture/Randall Benton)

Inexperienced then appeared right down to see what Sabonis was doing. As Inexperienced gathered himself, he used his proper foot to step on the chest of Sabonis. The Kings participant was writhing in ache because the referees tried to interrupt up the scrum.

O’Neal mentioned on the postgame present later Tuesday evening he would’ve accomplished the identical factor.

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reacts after he was ejected from Game 2 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs for stomping on the chest of Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis, Monday, April 17, 2023, in Sacramento, Calif.

Golden State Warriors ahead Draymond Inexperienced reacts after he was ejected from Recreation 2 within the first spherical of the NBA basketball playoffs for stomping on the chest of Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis, Monday, April 17, 2023, in Sacramento, Calif. (Alokito Mymensingh 24 Picture/Randall Benton)

“I would do the identical factor. I actually would. Do not be grabbing me,” the previous Los Angeles Lakers champion mentioned. “What am I gonna do? Like, if I keep there and simply attempt to run ahead, I am going to fall. You gotta get him up off you. And in the event you get him up off you and also you in the best way, you may get stomped on. Was it a unclean play? In fact it was a unclean play. … In the event you do not seize me, this would possibly not occur.”

Sabonis mentioned he was attempting to guard himself.

“I bought hit earlier within the recreation within the jaw. So once I fell, I used to be defending myself,” Sabonis advised reporters within the locker room. “Then clearly, the incident occurred. There’s no room for that in our recreation at the moment. At that time, I get pushed. I’m falling on the ground. I’m simply attempting to guard myself.”

Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 

Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts throughout the recreation towards the Golden State Warriors throughout Spherical 1 Recreation 2 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2023 at Golden 1 Heart in Sacramento, California.  (Rocky Widner/NBAE through Getty Photographs)

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Inexperienced is unlikely to face suspension, The Athletic reported.

Peter Johnson