Draymond Green's below the belt kick to Steven Adams Sunday wasn't the first time these NBA playoffs have turned into a mixed-martial arts contest.
The play was part of an ongoing battle between the Warriors' Green, an undersized but rugged 6-foot-7 power forward, and the Thunder's Adams, who has asserted himself with physical play and is one of the main reasons Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference Finals 2-1.
Green said he was just gathering himself after a foul by Adams when he kicked Oklahoma City's center in the groin, and he feels the Flagrant 1 foul he was called for in Game 3 should be rescinded.
"I followed through on a shot," he said. "I'm not trying to kick somebody in the midsection. Somebody wants to have kids someday. I'm not trying to end that on the basketball court."
Thunder center Steven Adams crumbled to the floor after a kick to the groin. (Getty Images)
The Thunder aren't so sure whether Green intentionally targeted Adams' groin area on Sunday night. Perhaps the play wouldn't have drawn so much attention if Green hadn't kneed Adams in the same area in Game 2.
"It happened before, mate," Adams, a 7-foot center from New Zealand, said. "He is pretty accurate, that guy."
Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook said he believes the kick was intentional.
"That's two times in the last two games. I don't think you can keep (hitting) somebody in their private areas."
Things aren't any kinder in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cleveland's Dahntay Jones has been suspended for one game by the NBA for striking Toronto's Bismack Biyombo in the groin in Game 2.
Raptors' Bismack Biyombo tries to compose himself after taking a hit to the groin. (Getty Images)
The league also fined Raptors coach Dwane Casey $25,000 on Sunday for his criticisms of the officiating.
Biyombo remained on his knees on the court after time expired in Game 3 on Saturday night after Jones hit him with 17.6 seconds remaining. The little-used reserve will miss Game 4 of the series Monday night.
Casey's comments, including his belief that Biyombo isn't getting enough calls, came in his postgame press conference following the Raptors' 99-84 victory. Cleveland leads the series 2-1.
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