There are few more controversial moments in the recent history of the NBA Finals than when Draymond Green was called for a flagrant foul on LeBron James during the 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Green was slapped with a one-game suspension because of that incident, and many believe that this was a main factor behind the Cavs winning that series.

Green himself recently relived that moment on a recent episode of the Checc'n In podcast, and the Warriors star admits that this is indeed a moment that he still looks back on with regret. Nevertheless, he also revealed that he wouldn't have changed anything if he had a chance to do it all over again (via Angelina Martin of NBC Sports):

“We lost. I take that on the chin,” Green said. “I cost us a championship. I’m fine with that. I can take that on the chin, no problem. I own up to my mistakes.

“Would I do it again? One thousand percent.”

Green then went on to say that he believes he's treated differently in the NBA — something that doesn't always fall in his favor:

“There’s Draymond Green rules,” Green said.” “There’s 100 percent Draymond Green rules. Evan Mobley did the same exact thing and kicked LeBron in the head, ain’t nobody talking about wanting to kick him out, ain’t nobody talking like it was [on] purpose.”

Without Green in the picture, the Cavs were able to claim victory in Game 5 of that Finals series. LeBron and Co. went on to win the next two games en route to a historic come-from-behind series win against a powerhouse Warriors side.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Magic Paolo Banchero with Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell after NBA Playoffs loss

Jay Postrado ·

lebron james dangelo russell lakers anthony davis nuggets

Michael Corvo ·

LeBron James (Lakers) as Booker T (RIGHT) with Jamal Murray (Nuggets) as Bobby Lashley (LEFT)

Rexwell Villas ·

Draymond Green is well aware of the fact that his team paid a major price for his crucial mistake. Nevertheless, he remains adamant in his decision:

“If somebody tries to step over me, I’m going to try to hit them,” Green said.” “What I wouldn’t do again is, I wouldn’t allow myself to be in a position to where someone can make that decision and cost me.

“And so guess what? If I get to that point again and you step over me, I’m going to try to hit you again. But I wouldn’t be in the same position with flagrant amount of points, with the amount of techs to where I leave that decision in someone else’s hands.”