Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Shaq defends Draymond Green following Sabonis stomp

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Apr 18, 2023 12:27 PM ET

Many were quick to crucify Draymond Green after the Warriors forward was ejected from Game 2 of Golden State’s first-round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings after stomping on center Domantas Sabonis.

Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t one of them.

On an episode of “Inside the NBA” following the game, O’Neal stated had he been in Green’s shoes, he likely would have had a similar reaction.

“I’m not going to sit up here and be a hypocrite. I would have done the same thing [as Green],” O’Neal said. “Don’t be grabbing me, because what am I going to do? If I stay there and just try to run forward, I’ll fall. You’ve got to get him up off you. And if you up off me and you in the way, you might get stomped on. Was it a dirty play? Of course it was a dirty play. But, hey, don’t grab me and this won't happen.”

That feels like something Draymond Green will be ejected and possibly even suspended moving forward... pic.twitter.com/HaAzrHXhkT
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) April 18, 2023

The rest of the NBA on TNT crew pushed back on O’Neal’s stance, stating Green’s response was excessive. Former 11-time All-Star Charles Barkley argued that despite Sabonis grabbing his ankle on the ground, Green should have simply just walked away without stomping on his opponent.

In the locker room following the game, Sabonis explained his side of the story.

“I got hit earlier in the game in the jaw,” Sabonis told reporters, via NBC Sports. “So when I fell, I was protecting myself. Then obviously, the incident happened. There’s no room for that in our game today.”

After his ejection, Green riled up Kings fans by shouting and taunting them on his way to the locker room. The play will likely be reviewed by the league and Green could be subject to additional punishment.

Kings fans not happy with Draymond. pic.twitter.com/LyWBil4beJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 18, 2023

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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