Green hints at unusual Game 4 officiating: 'There was more going on out there'
The Cleveland Cavaliers had one helluva night Friday in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, but so did the officiating crew.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green gave credit to the Cavs, whose historic 3-point barrage saw them become the first team to beat the Dubs this postseason.
He took some of the credit right back, though, suggesting the Warriors couldn't be aggressive because of the whistle-happy refs. Bill Callahan, Marc Davis, and John Goble called 51 personal fouls (27 on Golden State) in the 137-116 loss.
"When we're tied up, what can we do?" Green asked The Vertical's Shams Charania. "When we've got guys - like Steph (Curry), Klay (Thompson), me, (Kevin Durant) - picking up two, three fouls in a hurry, it's tough to bring the physicality. How can we play physical with some of the stuff going on out there tonight?
"Give credit to Kyrie (Irving) and (LeBron James), they played like the stars that they are. Those guys wanted it. There was more going on out there. If we wanted to play more physical, how could we?"
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In the same game, Green was embroiled in perhaps the most perplexing officiating moment in league history. He was automatically ejected after picking up his second technical foul, only to be un-ejected when the officials determined the first tech should've been credited to head coach Steve Kerr.
Related: Everyone bemused by bizarre Draymond technical call
The defensive stalwart said he knew the whole time he'd only been T'd up once, and the officials took full responsibility afterward for the mix-up.
Green collected 16 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four fouls in the defeat.