Suns announcer rips Stan Van Gundy's "egregious" no intent take on Draymond Green hitting Naz Reid

Stan Van Gundy had an interesting comment after Draymond Green hit Naz Reid on the neck in the second quarter of Game 2 on Thursday. After review, the referees called a flagrant foul on the Golden State Warriors star. Van Gundy said on national TV that he did not think “there was any intent” from Green in the said play.

Former Phoenix Suns guard Eddie Johnson, who works as a play-by-play analyst for the team, reacted to Van Gundy’s comment:

“Stan Van Gundy saying Draymond has no intent popping Naz Reed in his face is egregious! Stop man”

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Flailing after a foul and hitting an opposing player seems to be a Draymond Green specialty. The last time he did it was in Game 7 against the Houston Rockets. Fred VanVleet, who was called for a reach-in foul, got smacked in the face after Green swung his hand.

The same scenario happened against Naz Reid, who slapped the ball from Green. Once Green felt the contact, he flailed and elbowed Reid on the neck.

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Referee Tony Brothers, who stood a few feet from the play, promptly signaled for a review. Green was incensed when the referees gave him a technical foul. Jimmy Butler and a few Warriors teammates had to hold him back when he started berating one of the officials. Steve Kerr had to save Green from ejection by forcing him to the bench for Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Draymond Green is courting suspension with accumulated technical fouls

The technical foul Draymond Green received in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves was his fifth in the playoffs. He is two away from a one-game suspension. Green also has two flagrant fouls, two shy of another suspension.

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A suspension against Green will be costly for the Golden State Warriors, who are already without Steph Curry. The two-time MVP is dealing with a hamstring strain that will keep him out for at least Games 2, 3 and 4. If Green is suspended, the Warriors face a tall task of beating the Timberwolves.

Draymond Green captains the Dubs’ defense and is one of the team’s best playmakers. A suspension, even for just one game, could be a series-changer.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

Know More

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Edited by Michael Macasero