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Things got really interesting in the final seconds of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs Tristan Thompson was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul, and then got into things with Draymond Green. This culminated in Thompson shoving a basketball into green’s face, with his fist following.
Tristan Thompson ejected and then slaps Draymond Green. pic.twitter.com/l2olqg2Wfe
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 1, 2018
Not surprisingly, many wondered whether Thompson, a starter, would be suspended for Game 2. But the league announced on Friday that he would not be suspended, but instead finked $25,000.
Tristan Thompson avoids suspension but is fined $25,000 for his role in altercation with Draymond Green. Huge break for Cavs.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 2, 2018
This is a pretty nice break for the Cavs. Given what Green got suspended for in the 2016 NBA Finals, there was certainly a precedent in place to suspend Thompson. But the league decided that he didn’t do enough to warrant that.
Still, it’s a good thing. When in doubt, it’s best to have everyone healthy and active. Suspensions are dumb, and now the Warriors get a chance to beat the Cavaliers at full strength.