The first-round pairing between the Kings and Warriors was always tabbed to be the most hotly contested: the two Bay Area fan bases don’t like each other, and the Kings are in the postseason for the first time since 2006, setting up a matchup between the afterthought franchise and the defending champions. Unsurprisingly, the tension has been high since Saturday’s series opener—and spilled over onto the court late in Monday’s Game 2.
During the fourth quarter, Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected after receiving a Flagrant 2 foul for stomping on the chest of Kings center Domantas Sabonis. The incident occurred with just over seven minutes to play in the game, with Sacramento holding a four-point lead.
Draymond has been ejected after being issued a flagrant 2 for this play
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 18, 2023
(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/5K0Ax11llF
Green finished the game with eight points, four rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes. The play revved up an already raucous Kings crowd, with Green fulfilling his role as antagonist by clapping along with the opposing fans.
Golden State drew level shortly after Green’s ejection, tying the score at 95 with 5:32 remaining, but Sacramento pulled away in the final minutes to secure a 114–106 win and a 2–0 series lead.
