The Sacramento Kings provided a concerning update on Domantas Sabonis’ injury after he was stomped on by Draymond Green during Game 2 of their matchup against the Golden State Warriors, leaving Kings fans heartbroken. Sabonis suffered a sternum contusion and is currently questionable for Game 3, according to Shams Charania.
Kings say Domantas Sabonis has suffered a sternum contusion and is questionable for Game 3 vs. Warriors.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2023
Although reports on Monday indicated that Sabonis’ tests were clear and that he had not sustained any injuries, the Kings emphasized that they would be monitoring him ahead of the pivotal Game 3 matchup.
Kings said, “Domantas Sabonis has suffered a sternum contusion and is questionable for Game 3 vs. Warriors.”
Green’s stomp on Sabonis‘ sternum occurred with roughly seven minutes left in the fourth quarter after the Kings star fell while jostling for a rebound with Klay Thompson. Sabonis held onto Green’s leg, and the Warriors forward retaliated with the stomp. Sabonis was assessed with a technical foul, while Green was given a Flagrant 2 and ejected.
Sabonis had this to say to ESPN’s Malika Andrews about the incident:
“I fell, and I was trying to protect myself, and then obviously the incident happened. I feel like there’s no room for that in our game today.”
Most basketball analysts thought that Green would receive a fine but not a suspension due to Sabonis’ hands around his leg. However, the NBA considered Green’s history, and a few hours ago, Charania reported that the former Defensive Player of the Year winner would be suspended for Game 3.
According to the league, Green’s history of unsportsmanlike plays led to his suspension, which will occur during a crucial game. Many in the Warriors organization and those following the situation on Tuesday believed that a fine was coming, but the star forward will now sit out.
In a postgame interview, Green complained about the referees watching the Kings grab his leg for the second consecutive game, mentioning Malik Monk as the first to do so in Game 1 before Sabonis replicated it in Game 2.
The incident has caused a stir in the basketball community, with many debating the severity of Green’s punishment. Nonetheless, Sabonis’ injury and Green’s suspension have added a new layer to an already heated matchup between the Kings and the Warriors, leaving Kings fans hoping for Sabonis’ quick recovery.
Sabonis Injury and Green Suspension Shake Up Kings-Warriors Playoff Series
The Sacramento Kings’ playoff hopes may be in jeopardy if Domantas Sabonis is unable to play in Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors. Sabonis has been a key player for the Kings, averaging 18.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the series. His ability to make plays for his teammates has also been instrumental in Sacramento’s success throughout the season. Without him, the Kings may struggle to keep up with the Warriors, especially with Draymond Green suspended for the game.
Despite Green’s absence, NBA analyst Charles Barkley believes that the focus should be on how well the Kings have been playing rather than the incident between Sabonis and Green. The third-seeded Kings have been dominant in the first two games of the series, and Sabonis has been at the center of their success on both ends of the floor. His potential absence could be a major blow to Sacramento’s playoff hopes.
