Draymond Green’s foul on Zach Edey is upgraded to a flagrant 1 by the NBA

NEW YORK – Golden State forward Draymond Green’s foul against Memphis’ Zach Edey in the third quarter of the game Warriors win over Grizzlies has been upgraded to a flagrant category one, the NBA said Saturday after reviewing the play.

The foul — for which Green was initially assessed only a personal foul — came with 7:06 left in the third quarter of Friday’s game, which Golden State won 123-118. Green lost his balance during a ride and fell near Edey’s feet.

Green appeared to both swing his left leg out while on the ground and limit Edey’s ability to move his right ankle by trapping it between his elbow and his side. Edey tripped over Green’s outstretched leg and the personal foul was called.

“Draymond grabs his leg and pulls him down and it’s not judged,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said after the game. “I know there is a code in this league and I don’t understand how it hasn’t been revised. Very disappointing.”

The play, if it was ruled egregious at the time, would have given Memphis two free throws and possession. It was called a transition-take foul, giving Memphis one free throw and possession.

“It wasn’t a basketball game, if that’s what you’re asking,” Edey said. “It was definitely not a basketball game.”

Green then picked up two technical fouls in the span of 33 seconds of the fourth quarter and was ejected with 1:14 remaining. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he was not given a clear reason for Green’s second technical foul.

“I don’t need any explanation,” Green said after finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. “I did my job. My job was done for the night. To proceed.”

Green was suspended indefinitely last season – he ultimately missed sixteen games – by the league after him hit Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face during a match on December 12. The league cited Green’s “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” in handing down that suspension, which came not long after. he served a five-match suspension for tying up Minnesota center Rudy Gobert during an altercation.

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