Editor’s Note: Today we have another great article from guest writer and up-and-comer, Kateasa Blair. Please comment on what you think of her writing, as I’m sure she appreciates the feedback.
Wednesday night, during two separate Game Two’s, there were scuffles between players. In the Orlando/Boston series, Rafer Alston decided to slap Eddie House in the back of the head while the 3rd quarter was ending. Alston says that House elbowed him and that is what led to the altercation. This led to a suspension for Alston in Game Three. Most of the fighting came in the L.A./Houston series later that night. In total, the game had five technical fouls and two* flagrant fouls. Derek Fisher took a page out of Troy Polamalu’s book, and knocked Luis Scola on the court. He was ejected from the game after receiving a Flagrant 2. He was also suspended for Game Three of the series. Later, Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant got tangled up under the goal, and when a foul wasn’t called on Kobe, Artest took his argument to the refs. When that didn’t work, he decided to take it to Kobe himself. Kobe raised his hands and said “get out of here,” and began to walk away. Ron Artest was ejected from the game. Is anyone really surprised at Artest? Kobe was later awarded a technical after taunting Shane Battier, who was guarding him after Artest’s ejection. Kobe was given a flagrant foul, later, for elbowing Artest. Kobe summed up the night with six simple words: “Do I look like I care?”
Chippy plays aren’t new in the NBA Playoffs. In 2007, during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals, Antonio McDyess was given a Flagrant 2, and ejected after knocking down Anderson Varejao. Also, let’s not forget the infamous brawl between the Suns and the Spurs in the same playoff season, which led to suspensions for Amar’e Stoudemire and Boris Diaw, and a bloody nose for Steve Nash. The Larry O’Brien Trophy is worth all the blood, sweat, and tears.
*Kobe was given a Flagrant 1 after the game; it was previously reported as five technicals and one flagrant foul.
