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Golden State Warriors: Has the NBA doomed a dynasty, or awoken a dangerous beast?

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: NBA commissioner Adam Silver watches the review of the play between Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Green was ejected on the play. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: NBA commissioner Adam Silver watches the review of the play between Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Green was ejected on the play. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have to climb out of a 2-0 deficit against the Sacramento Kings in their first-round playoff series, and they’ll now be without Draymond Green for the critical Game 3 at Chase Center on Thursday night.

The importance of Game 3 cannot be understated in the context of Golden State’s future. That’s now been exacerbated by Green’s suspension, with all eyes now on how his teammates respond once they hit the floor again.

Has the NBA awoken a dangerous beast by poking the Golden State Warriors, or have they simply doomed a dynasty that was flailing regardless?

The Warriors are reportedly ‘livid’ with the suspension handed to Green on Tuesday night, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The NBA cited Green’s previous indiscretions as a reason behind the suspension, while his engagement with the crowd immediately after the incident was sure to irk league commissioner Adam Silver who was present in the building.

Golden State now have one decision — let this be the end of their dynastic run, or have it motivate them to a memorable win, a comeback series win, and perhaps another path towards a fifth NBA title in nine seasons.

The Golden State Warriors dynasty has reached a tipping point ahead of Game 3 at Chase Center. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors dynasty has reached a tipping point ahead of Game 3 at Chase Center. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

It was backs against the wall anyway down 2-0, but it’s now even more so in the wake of Green’s suspension. Aided by exorbitant spending that’s clearly irritated some in the league office, is the NBA looking to finally draw the line on the Warriors success? Stating that the league has a personal vendetta against the franchise right now is a bit much, but there’s no reason that can’t be the narrative if it means they’ll be even more resilient.

Golden State has been down-and-out before — in last year’s NBA Finals they were down 2-1 ahead of a Game 4 played in front of one of the most hostile crowds in recent memory. They turned that around, won three straight games, and delivered their crowning moment of the last decade of triumph.

While Green may be out, that’s likely to stir up and make a raucous home crowd even more of a factor in Game 3. Win and the Warriors really sink their teeth into this series — the scoreboard looks brighter, you have the impending return of Green in Game 4, and you have the opportunity to put the Kings into an uncomfortable position they’re simply not used to.

Lose Game 3 and all sorts of question marks will be asked, if they haven’t been already. Green can return for Game 4, but at that point he’d have no realistic opportunity to right the wrongs of his suspension. It would almost certainly lead to a first-round elimination, and that would likely spark significant change this offseason.

Next. Opposition teammates, NBA legend jump to defend Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green. dark

Does Green’s suspension awake a beast that’s still got bite left to give, or is it the unceremonious end to one of the most successful teams in NBA history? Either way, Game 3 will be a telling new chapter in this franchise’s history.

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