What, did you think we were done talking about Draymond Green’s kick to Steven Adams’ groin in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals?
That’s cute.
While the NBA elected not to suspend Green, and though the Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Golden State Warriors in Game 4, the kick is still having a lasting impact on the series—well, Steven Adams’ series.
Apparently, when Green kicked him, he caused a testicular contusion:
Craig Sager says Steven Adams suffered a testicular contusion and will wear a cup tonight. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow.#Thunder #Warriors
— John E. Hoover ? (@johnehoover) May 25, 2016
Um, ouch.
This injury didn’t seem to affect Steven Adams in Game 4. He still defended and played with gusto, and he wasn’t moving particularly gingerly. So, there’s that.
The fact that he played at all, remaining in the game after it happened and then suiting up for Game 4, is pretty incredible. Obvious jokes and double entendres asides, groin injuries are fickle and painful. And they can linger.
If they do linger, it makes it difficult to get up and down the court. Your range of motion is impacted, and you are by no means as explosive.
Plus, there’s the mental barrier, too. Will you play timid knowing you’re coping with a groin injury? Will you subconsciously favor the injury, avoiding contact, perhaps not remaining as aggressive when protecting the rim, chasing offensive rebounds or finishing lobs?
Others might. Adams didn’t.
He continues to prove that he’s one of the toughest players in the NBA.
