National Basketball Association

Charles Barkley says Draymond Green was 'morally obligated' to confront LeBron

Published Jun. 12, 2016 7:45 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Draymond Green won't be playing in Game 5 after hitting LeBron James below the belt in Game 4, but if you ask Charles Barkley, Green had no choice but to take a swipe at James.

"When somebody steps over you, they're doing that intentionally to rub your face in it," Barkley said. The Hall of Fame power forward added that Green was "morally obligated" to hit James.

The NBA ruled Sunday that the play in question was upgraded to a Flagrant 1, triggering an automatic suspension for Green, who received his fourth flagrant foul in the postseason.

The play occurred late in the fourth quarter during the Warriors' 108-97 win in Game 4. Green and James became tangled beyond the 3-point arc. Green fell and James attempted to walk over him, but Green extended his arm and hit him in the groin.

James immediately reacted, and the two needed to be separated once play ended.

The Warriors hold a 3-1 lead and look to claim their second consecutive title Monday night.

share

Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Basketball Association