Tensions flared between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their playoff series as Draymond Green narrowly avoided ejection despite a flagrant foul on Tari Eason. The incident occurred late in the second quarter when Green and Eason tangled on the floor after a loose-ball scramble, with Green’s leg making contact with Eason’s head. Officials upgraded the play to a Flagrant 1 foul but ruled the contact unintentional, allowing Green to remain in the game
Earlier, Green and Rockets guard Dillon Brooks received technical fouls after a heated altercation involving Stephen Curry. Brooks hip-checked Curry during a possession, sparking a shoving match that drew multiple players into the fray The Warriors’ Quinten Post and Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr. also exchanged words, though no penalties were assessed
Green’s physical play has been a recurring theme in the series, with Rockets coach Ime Udoka previously criticizing his aggressive tactics While Eason earned a technical for his reaction to the flagrant foul, Green’s history of playoff intensity once again took center stage as Golden State held a 2-1 series lead entering the game Reactions online questioned whether Green’s actions warranted stricter discipline, but officials upheld their ruling after video review
