Shaquille O'Neal defended Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green after he stood on Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis' chest in Game 2 of their playoff series on Monday night.
The fourth-quarter confrontation included the two players. Sabonis fell at Green's feet while going for an offensive rebound on a missed shot.
As Green attempted to rise, Sabonis grabbed his right leg. Green tried to escape while crossing Sabonis.
Green then checked Sabonis. Green put his right foot on Sabonis' chest as he gathered. The Kings player writhed in anguish as the referees broke up the scrum.
On Tuesday night's postgame show, O'Neal stated he would've done the same.
"I would too. I would. "Don't grab me," the former Lakers champion added. What's next? I'll tumble if I stay and run forward.
"I would too. I would. "Don't grab me," the former Lakers champion added. What's next? I'll tumble if I stay and run forward. Get him off you. You may get stomped if you get him off you. Dirty play? It was a filthy play. This won't happen unless you grab me."
Sabonis claimed self-defense. "I was smacked in the jaw earlier in the game. "I fell to protect myself," Sabonis told reporters in the locker room.
The incident occurred. Today's game doesn't allow that. I'm pushed. I’m tumbling. Just protecting me."