Was That Foul Really a Foul? Breaking Down Green's Game 7 Call
Remember the drama of Game 7 in the 2016 NBA Finals? The Cleveland Cavaliers were down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors, but they managed to claw their way back. The final seconds ticked down, and the score was tied. With just a few ticks left on the clock, LeBron James drove to the basket, and Draymond Green fouled him.
The Call That Shook the NBA
The refs called a foul on Green, sending James to the free throw line. He sank both shots, giving the Cavs a 2-point lead. The Warriors had one last chance, but they couldn't get a good look at the basket. The Cavs won the game, and the series, in a dramatic finish.
But after the game, everyone was talking about the call. Was it really a foul? Did Draymond Green intentionally foul LeBron James? Was it a "ticky-tack" call? The debate raged on, and it still pops up every now and then.
Analyzing the Foul
Let's break down what happened. Green was in a tough spot. James was driving to the basket, and Green was trying to contest the shot. He got his arm out, and it grazed James's arm. It was a very marginal foul, but it was a foul nonetheless.
Green's Perspective
Green has said that he didn't mean to foul James. He was trying to play defense, and he got caught up in the moment. He claimed he was trying to "draw a charge" but the referee's view was different.
The Referee's Perspective
The refs made the call, and it was a tough one. The rule says that any contact that impedes a player's movement towards the basket is a foul. The refs made the call based on the rule.
The Takeaway
So, was it a foul? Yes. Was it a "ticky-tack" foul? Maybe. Was it a bad call? That's a matter of opinion. There's no doubt that the call changed the course of the game, and it's something that we'll continue to debate for years to come. But it's also a reminder that every call in basketball, even the most controversial ones, can have a huge impact on the game.
It's just one of the many factors that contribute to the drama and excitement of the NBA. This Game 7 and its controversial ending will forever be etched in NBA history.