National Basketball Association

NBA referees to watch traveling, groin hits more closely

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:52 p.m. ET

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ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) NBA referees will be cracking down this season on ''unnatural acts,'' such as the hit to the groin area that resulted in Draymond Green's suspension during the NBA Finals.

They will also more closely monitor traveling after complaints from coaches that players are getting away with too many steps on the perimeter.

The referees were informed and instructed about those items this week during their preseason meetings and training camp.

The ''unnatural'' plays are a point of emphasis after a number of situations involving Green during the postseason. The All-Star forward had a habit of flailing his arms or legs and a few times made contact with opponents in the groin area.

He was finally suspended after hitting LeBron James during the finals and missed Game 5. Cleveland rallied to beat Golden State for the title in seven games.