Diaw,Amare,Horry suspended...

[OrangeShadow]

Im sure you've all seen the play by now. Horry basically decked nash with his foream. So as a natual reaction amare and diaw stepped off the bench and a few feet on the court.

Im so pissed that the NBA would pretty much cripple the suns for something like this. Nothing actually took place they just had a natural reaction to defend their leader. Not to mention earlier in the game duncan left the bench following a different play, why wasnt he suspended?

The person who should of been supsended along with horry is Bruce Bowen. Kneeing nash in the groin, blatently trying to injure amare by stickin his foot under him during a dunk. The guy is clearl a dirty player and should be suspended.

Im not a huge fan of the NBA anyway and they got it wrong AGAIN.

[Garcia Bronco]

It's the rules....good suspension

[Paladin]

Anything to help the Spurts.......

[ZONA]

It's the rules....good suspension


Yep - good suspension huh? Then why wasn't Duncan and Bowen suspended? If your're going by the book, then you have to suspend Duncan and Bowen.

Face it Garcia - the NBA has clearly got it wrong and this is giving them a huge black eye right now. There are talk shows and columns everywhere on this.

You've heard the saying "The punishment does not fit the crime".............this is even worse because there was no crime by the Suns. In all honesty, what's to keep the Pat Burke of the Suns tonight from wiping out Parker? He might get some guys to come off the bench and he might even be able to seriously injur Parker. I say go for it Pat Burke. That's what Horry did and it worked out for his team.

[Rock Chalk]

Shocker. ZONA whining about NBA calls against the Suns.

[Garcia Bronco]

Yep - good suspension huh? Then why wasn't Duncan and Bowen suspended? If your're going by the book, then you have to suspend Duncan and Bowen.

Face it Garcia - the NBA has clearly got it wrong and this is giving them a huge black eye right now. There are talk shows and columns everywhere on this.

You've heard the saying "The punishment does not fit the crime".............this is even worse because there was no crime by the Suns. In all honesty, what's to keep the Pat Burke of the Suns tonight from wiping out Parker? He might get some guys to come off the bench and he might even be able to seriously injur Parker. I say go for it Pat Burke. That's what Horry did and it worked out for his team.

I didn't see the whole thing so I don't know... but if duncan and bowen left the bench...then they would/should have gotten suspended too.
I did see the block by Horry..it wasn't all that bad...there was a flop there. All is for not though because the Pistons are going to win it all anyway...making this drama mute.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Here is a clip of Duncan off the bench.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y39nRO5keRM

[theAPAOps5]

You are right Garcia it is the rules. But earlier in the game Elson got nailed and Duncan reactively stood up and took a step of the bench. Clearly he should get suspended as well. The argument I have is apply the rules to everyone. I also think common sense should play into situations as well. Diao and Staudamire both caught themselves and stymied the situation by backing away. The NBA got this wrong, no player should have gotten suspended they should have gotten fines and left it with that warning.

I guess the old addage the squeeky wheel gets the oil. Duncan and the boys complain enough that they cleary got the benefit of that ruling.

[Garcia Bronco]

Here is a clip of Duncan off the bench.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y39nRO5keRM

He didn't get off the bench to get into a fight though. So I guess my next question is...how does the rule read exactly?

[Arkansas Bronco]

He didn't get off the bench to get into a fight though.

Of course he did he was on the court. He should have been suspended as well.

Edit - To small a screen and first I have seen it. Maybey I was looking at the wrong guy. But he was on his feet and if something happened he was in the position to make a move.

[azbroncfan]

Yep - good suspension huh? Then why wasn't Duncan and Bowen suspended? If your're going by the book, then you have to suspend Duncan and Bowen.

Face it Garcia - the NBA has clearly got it wrong and this is giving them a huge black eye right now. There are talk shows and columns everywhere on this.

You've heard the saying "The punishment does not fit the crime".............this is even worse because there was no crime by the Suns. In all honesty, what's to keep the Pat Burke of the Suns tonight from wiping out Parker? He might get some guys to come off the bench and he might even be able to seriously injur Parker. I say go for it Pat Burke. That's what Horry did and it worked out for his team.

How come you don't understand why Ducan and Bowen aren't suspended? THe rule is if you come off the BENCH you are gone for the next game minimum. Duncan and Bowen were IN THE GAME ALREADY. Quit with that statement, but I do agree that the rule needs to be revised as Amare and Diow didn't add fuel to the fire.

[theAPAOps5]

How do you know his player was undercut and got up and stared the guy down while Duncan was stepping onto the play. In the eyes of the ruling he should get an automatic one game suspension.

[Jerry Curl]

He didn't get off the bench to get into a fight though. So I guess my next question is...how does the rule read exactly?

The rule reads something like "If any played leaves the vicinity of the bench during an altercation they will get an automatic 1 game suspension"

But that leaves gray area, what's the vicinity of the bench?What's an altercation?In my mind I believe the suns got robbed.

[Smiling Assassin27]

The reason for the rule in the first place is to prevent that sort of thing from happening--that is, players leaving their bench after a flagrant foul. The onus is on the players to know the rule and abide by it. The league's only obligation is to apply it. All these things happened as they ought to. The NBA didn't cripple the Suns, the Suns crippled the Suns. I'm pulling for the Suns but they really screwed themselves. If you're not gonna apply the rule properly and comprehensively, why even have the rule? Good suspension.

[Jerry Curl]

But then, why wasn't duncan suspended?He CLEARLY left the bench and went inside the 3 point line, if that's the rule he should be gone too...

[Smiling Assassin27]

the league determined that it was not an 'altercation' and so if no altercation exists, then the rule does not come into play.

[tsr28]

Section 7c.

During an altercation, all players not participating in the game must remain in the immediate vicinity of their bench. Violators will be suspended, without pay, for a minimum of one game and fined up to $35,000. The suspensions will commence prior to the start of their next game. A team must have a minimum of eight players dressed and ready to play in every game. If five or more players leave the bench, the players will serve their suspensions alphabetically, according to the first letters of their last name. If seven bench players are suspended (assuming no participants are included), four of them would be suspended for the first game following the altercation. The remaining three would be suspended for the second game following the altercation.

http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_12.html?nav=ArticleList

With the escalation of what has been happening this series the NBA screwed themselves either way with the gray area play that they did not address and the crappy rule they had to enforce.

When the rule was created the NBA was having huge public relations problems. There's a good article from TrueHoop addressing this:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-24-70/Guess-They-Really-Mean--Don-t-Leave-the-Bench-.html

When the NBA created the rule, they had to feel they would eventually have to address it but took the stance of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". It just really blows that the Suns are getting screwed between a rule that needed to be fixed and the NBA sitting on their thumbs with the Spurs instigator style of play.

I am a Nuggets fan but I really hope the Suns can succeed past where the NBA failed them.

[Garcia Bronco]

The rule reads something like "If any played leaves the vicinity of the bench during an altercation they will get an automatic 1 game suspension"

But that leaves gray area, what's the vicinity of the bench?What's an altercation?In my mind I believe the suns got robbed.

Well in the clip above...that clearly doesn't fit the clip posted by Arky

[Jerry Curl]

That brings the question, what's an altercation?When Amare/Diaw left the bench there was no sign of an altercation, just the shoulder block. They could have been going to Nash to see if he was alright...I just don't see how you pretty much reward what Horry did, the spurs lose just over 6 ppg and the suns lose about 33 ppg and 17 rpg.

[Garcia Bronco]

I am a Nuggets fan but I really hope the Suns can succeed past where the NBA failed them.

The suns failed themselves by leaving the bench when they did during an altercation. Just like th eHeat failed themselves...and the Knicks as well back in the day

[TheChamp24]

How come you don't understand why Ducan and Bowen aren't suspended? THe rule is if you come off the BENCH you are gone for the next game minimum. Duncan and Bowen were IN THE GAME ALREADY. Quit with that statement, but I do agree that the rule needs to be revised as Amare and Diow didn't add fuel to the fire.

Uhh, Duncan and Bowen weren't in the game pal. You lost some credibility with that statement.

[freak6]

If the Suns are really that pissed about it, if they are down big in the 2nd half vs the Spurs, they should walk off the court.

[Malcontent]

If the Suns are really that pissed about it, if they are down big in the 2nd half vs the Spurs, they should walk off the court.

Yeah...that'll teach em.

[freak6]

It won't teach them, but it'll make a statement. Think about how much work goes into a season, and for them to lose 2 starters for game 5. They are going to get waxed.

[Master___Pain]

If the Suns are really that pissed about it, if they are down big in the 2nd half vs the Spurs, they should walk off the court.

A fantastic idea! Quit!

[Malcontent]

It won't teach them, but it'll make a statement. Think about how much work goes into a season, and for them to lose 2 starters for game 5. They are going to get waxed.

The only statement that would make is..well....nothing.

[TheChamp24]

I was thinking if they are getting waxed, make a hard ass foul on Duncan by some no name on their roster. If its bad enough, maybe they can get someone else suspended for the Spurs and not lose much like the Spurs did for game 5.

[freak6]

Such a great series ruined by the league office.

[azbroncfan]

Uhh, Duncan and Bowen weren't in the game pal. You lost some credibility with that statement.

On the horry foul? I know Bowen was in and I'm pretty sure Duncan was too. If they weren't they would of been suspended.

[rbackfactory80]

If the Suns are really that pissed about it, if they are down big in the 2nd half vs the Spurs, they should walk off the court.

I agree, I wouldn't even show up if I was Phoenix.

[ZONA]

How come you don't understand why Ducan and Bowen aren't suspended? THe rule is if you come off the BENCH you are gone for the next game minimum. Duncan and Bowen were IN THE GAME ALREADY. Quit with that statement, but I do agree that the rule needs to be revised as Amare and Diow didn't add fuel to the fire.


WTF are you talking about? I am refering to Bowen and Duncan coming off the bench earlier in the game during a miff between two players. He came out onto the court, well out of the "grey" area. Stu Jackson is a hypocrite.

Stu Jackson was on espn this morning and he says We understand this is not fair to the Phoenix Suns and we acknowledge this (the suspensions of Stoudemire and Diaw) could help determine the outcome of this series.

He clearly stated then by saying it was not fair that there is a problem with their precious rule.

By the way Alec - 75% of the America agrees with what I said you idiot. It's not calling for heads just because their Suns, it's because clearly the Suns were going to win with less then 20 seconds left and the Spurs hit man takes matters into his own hands and now the Suns are being punished. Do you honestly believe the Suns didn't get hosed on this?

[freak6]

I agree, I wouldn't even show up if I was Phoenix.

Was that sarcastic?

I want them to show up and try and win, you never know what might happen. But if in all likelihood they are getting smoked, I'd protest this bs and walkoff.

[ZONA]

I was thinking if they are getting waxed, make a hard ass foul on Duncan by some no name on their roster. If its bad enough, maybe they can get someone else suspended for the Spurs and not lose much like the Spurs did for game 5.


That's the whole thing and this is why Stu and Stern are such ignorant clowns. Their rule to prevent fighting, the way it is now, is going to start something far worse. We all know that NBA fights are not much worse then a chicks slumber party. Please. But, what you're going to see now is these hard kinds of fouls by scrubs because you have absolutely NOTHING to lose. That guy may have to sit down a few games but if you can hurt somebody on the other side or get some players to come off the bench then that's what you're hoping for.

[rbackfactory80]

Was that sarcastic?

I want them to show up and try and win, you never know what might happen. But if in all likelihood they are getting smoked, I'd protest this bs and walkoff.

Nah I'm dead serious. This is the real world, when you pull someone who gives you 30 a game against a team as good as the Spurs you really don't have much of a shot. The league decided the series without it being played on the floor. F the league let them suffer. They should have just imposed serious fines. I will be pulling for the Suns but realistically its a big hill to climb. The suns have been fighting for years to get over the hump and this just pisses me off. I'm not even a Suns fan. Now of course I am speaking as a fan. If I was a player I would be thinking differently. I would want to beat them under-manned

[Garcia Bronco]

Duncan and Bowen did not leave the bench for a fight. Get over it.

[Bladerunner]

WTF are you talking about? I am refering to Bowen and Duncan coming off the bench earlier in the game during a miff between two players. He came out onto the court, well out of the "grey" area. Stu Jackson is a hypocrite.

Stu Jackson was on espn this morning and he says We understand this is not fair to the Phoenix Suns and we acknowledge this (the suspensions of Stoudemire and Diaw) could help determine the outcome of this series.

He clearly stated then by saying it was not fair that there is a problem with their precious rule.

By the way Alec - 75% of the America agrees with what I said you idiot. It's not calling for heads just because their Suns, it's because clearly the Suns were going to win with less then 20 seconds left and the Spurs hit man takes matters into his own hands and now the Suns are being punished. Do you honestly believe the Suns didn't get hosed on this?

i watched Mike and Mike this morning too...and Stu jackson said nothing of the sort.

[Rock Chalk]

WTF are you talking about? I am refering to Bowen and Duncan coming off the bench earlier in the game during a miff between two players. He came out onto the court, well out of the "grey" area. Stu Jackson is a hypocrite.

Stu Jackson was on espn this morning and he says We understand this is not fair to the Phoenix Suns and we acknowledge this (the suspensions of Stoudemire and Diaw) could help determine the outcome of this series.

He clearly stated then by saying it was not fair that there is a problem with their precious rule.

By the way Alec - 75% of the America agrees with what I said you idiot. It's not calling for heads just because their Suns, it's because clearly the Suns were going to win with less then 20 seconds left and the Spurs hit man takes matters into his own hands and now the Suns are being punished. Do you honestly believe the Suns didn't get hosed on this?

Hey cock much, I never said I didnt agree with you. I just said "Wow, its a real shocker you are bitching about calls against teh Suns" you know why? BECAUSE THATS ALL YOU ****ING DO.

I dont like either team, I dont like any players on either team, I dont care one way or the other and Im not here to dispute what happened.

Call me an idiot for pointing out a fact that all you ****ing do is bitch about calls against the suns and for the spurs.

How about just accepting the fact that the NBA officiating sucks and move on with your pathetic existance.

[theAPAOps5]

Duncan and Bowen did not leave the bench for a fight. Get over it.

Neither did Diao or Staudamire, I would be pissed if I was a Pheonix fan. And I say Duncan was getting up to fight why else would he get up and walk on the court after his teammate got slammed. Its pretty clear he broke this rule that is supposed to be inflexible. The front office of the NBA is a joke.

[Garcia Bronco]

Neither did Diao or Staudamire, I would be pissed if I was a Pheonix fan. And I say Duncan was getting up to fight why else would he get up and walk on the court after his teammate got slammed. Its pretty clear he broke this rule that is supposed to be inflexible. The front office of the NBA is a joke.

I don't know who Diao is, but Staudamire absolutely ran toward the brawl in the clips I have seen. Was he in the game as a player? Did he throw a punch?

[Jason7730]

Neither did Diao or Staudamire, I would be pissed if I was a Pheonix fan. And I say Duncan was getting up to fight why else would he get up and walk on the court after his teammate got slammed. Its pretty clear he broke this rule that is supposed to be inflexible. The front office of the NBA is a joke.

I agree, this a crock of ####. If the rule is cut and dry then that crybaby ass E.T. look alike t. duncan should have been suspended also. IMHO

[Garcia Bronco]

I agree, this a crock of ####. If the rule is cut and dry then that crybaby ass E.T. look alike t. duncan should have been suspended also. IMHO

Duncan did not leave the bench to get into a fight...nor did Bowen. What is so hard to understand about that? The rule is in this thread.

[Clockwork Orange]

Duncan did not leave the bench to get into a fight...nor did Bowen. What is so hard to understand about that? The rule is in this thread.

That's what I'm wondering. How is it this hard for people to understand that for the rule to be invoked, there has to be an altercation on the court when the player steps on to the floor away from the bench area?

I agree that this whole situation sucks, but people are grasping at straws if they believe that Duncan should be suspended for stepping on the court when there was no altercation going on. The rule is pretty clear.

[watermock]

I think the whole thing is rediculous. One person should be suspended, Horry.

[Jerry Curl]

But he left the bench when there was a CHANCE of an altercation, same deal...Jalen Rose goes big tonight, mark it down!haha

[watermock]

It's the NBA's version of the tuck rule.

[Jason7730]

Duncan stepped onto the court after elson and j. jones got tangled up during live play. It appears to me that that he stepped onto the court because of an apparent conflict developing between those two. Bowen then pulled him back. To the letter if the rule, that is a violation of said rule. Meaning E.T. lookalike should have been suspended also. (Although this whole thing is bull****, Horry should be suspended one game and fines for all other rule violators, IMO)

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Dirk wouldn't have been involved in something like this.

Just sayin'.

[Master___Pain]

Dirk wouldn't have been involved in something like this.

Just sayin'.

True. Any player that not in the playoffs would not have been involved.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

True. Any player that not in the playoffs would not have been involved.

Kobe wouldn't have been involved in something like this.

Just sayin'.

[Garcia Bronco]

Duncan stepped onto the court after elson and j. jones got tangled up during live play. It appears to me that that he stepped onto the court because of an apparent conflict developing between those two. Bowen then pulled him back. To the letter if the rule, that is a violation of said rule. Meaning E.T. lookalike should have been suspended also. (Although this whole thing is bull****, Horry should be suspended one game and fines for all other rule violators, IMO)

But there was no ALTERCATION.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

But there was no ALTERCATION.

If Jones had reacted quickly enough, he could have decked Elson while Bowen and Duncan were on the floor and bam - instant suspensions all around!

[Jason7730]

There was enough of an altercation in timmy's mind that he got up off the bench and stepped onto the court of play, while the game was going on.

[Garcia Bronco]

There was enough of an altercation in timmy's mind that he got up off the bench and stepped onto the court of play, while the game was going on.

You can't testify on what his thought process was...nor can anyone else. The right players got suspended and the best team will win.

[Jason7730]

If Jones had reacted quickly enough, he could have decked Elson while Bowen and Duncan were on the floor and bam - instant suspensions all around!

Damn that Jones!! (I guess hindsite is 20/20)
I hope they go over that in pregame! LOL

[Jason7730]

You can't testify on what his thought process was...nor can anyone else. The right players got suspended and the best team will win.

Well ditto... Amare was just heading to the scoring table to check in. (as he had 5 fouls and was doing the old offense/defense substitution routine). We may never know now who the best team was in this series, now that the NBA suspended the SUNs first team all NBA center.

[azbroncfan]

Well ditto... Amare was just heading to the scoring table to check in. (as he had 5 fouls and was doing the old offense/defense substitution routine). We may never know now who the best team was in this series, now that the NBA suspended the SUNs first team all NBA center.

Nice try as I'm sure the suns used that excuse. I have never seen anyone sprint that fast to check into a game especially when nash was getting FT's. It is a crap rule but it is a rule and the suns are :drown: :stuck: :deadhorse

[azbroncfan]

Well ditto... Amare was just heading to the scoring table to check in. (as he had 5 fouls and was doing the old offense/defense substitution routine). We may never know now who the best team was in this series, now that the NBA suspended the SUNs first team all NBA center.

If the suns win the series will you still say we may never know who the best team is?

[Jason7730]

If the suns win the series will you still say we may never know who the best team is?

Oh hell no, that would be icing on the cake. We shall see how much heart they have tonight.

[theAPAOps5]

You can't testify on what his thought process was...nor can anyone else. The right players got suspended and the best team will win.

Nope, not all the players who should have gotten suspended did. Elson getting flipped and then getting up and mad dogging a Suns player and Duncan stepping onto the floor is by definition the beginning of an altercation that was only being escalated by Duncans motion towards the players involved. Bowen had to pull him back and sit him down. He under the rule of leaving the bench area during an altercation should be suspended. I don't see why some of you don't understand that.

That and the fact that I am arguing for a team I really don't even like in the Suns, I think I am going crazy. Now damnit Garcia next week lets play golf Friday afternoon so I can school you even more on this Ha!

[freak6]

Total BS.

Duncan and Bowen should be suspended too.

Stern is talking about "by the books"

Then suspend Duncan and Bowen too.

BS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Garcia Bronco]

Well ditto... Amare was just heading to the scoring table to check in. (as he had 5 fouls and was doing the old offense/defense substitution routine). We may never know now who the best team was in this series, now that the NBA suspended the SUNs first team all NBA center.

Amare was heading to get into a brawl.

[OrangeShadow]

yeah if they are going "by the book" duncan should of been suspended. He LEFT the bench doesnt matter how far he went.
I guess im just pissed that the agressor in this situation is benefiting from the ruling when they should be the ones being punished.

[Garcia Bronco]

Nope, not all the players who should have gotten suspended did. Elson getting flipped and then getting up and mad dogging a Suns player and Duncan stepping onto the floor is by definition the beginning of an altercation that was only being escalated by Duncans motion towards the players involved. Bowen had to pull him back and sit him down. He under the rule of leaving the bench area during an altercation should be suspended. I don't see why some of you don't understand that.

That and the fact that I am arguing for a team I really don't even like in the Suns, I think I am going crazy. Now damnit Garcia next week lets play golf Friday afternoon so I can school you even more on this Ha!

Bummer...I will be out of town 24th thru the 28th. We can diffenately get up any time after that

[Killericon]

At least Nash had a sense of humour about it. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPBLBYAo9Gg&NR=1)

"I've been working on the guns, so a couple combos might've gotten some points on the body."

[Jason7730]

Amare was heading to get into a brawl.

Yeah, I know Amare was not actually heading to check in. However, he headed into the direction of the "altercation". Their was not a brawl, no punches were thrown.

[usedupbraids]

how u get kicked out a game for being a pussy oh man.....this really cost the suns this game coming up tonight 3-2 spurs

[Northman]

You can't testify on what his thought process was...nor can anyone else. The right players got suspended and the best team will win.


That could be said with all players who leave the bench. You cant guarantee that Stoutmire and Diaw were going to get into it with Horry.

[Northman]

Nope, not all the players who should have gotten suspended did. Elson getting flipped and then getting up and mad dogging a Suns player and Duncan stepping onto the floor is by definition the beginning of an altercation that was only being escalated by Duncans motion towards the players involved. Bowen had to pull him back and sit him down. He under the rule of leaving the bench area during an altercation should be suspended. I don't see why some of you don't understand that.

That and the fact that I am arguing for a team I really don't even like in the Suns, I think I am going crazy. Now damnit Garcia next week lets play golf Friday afternoon so I can school you even more on this Ha!


Bingo. Someone who knows what im talking about. The rule stats " any " player leaving the bench to engage another player in defense is subject to suspension. By definition Duncan should of been suspended.

[Malcontent]

Wimp Stern changed his plans and canned his scheduled appearance at tonights game in Phoenix. Whadda chump!

[Northman]

Wimp Stern changed his plans and canned his scheduled appearance at tonights game in Phoenix. Whadda chump!

BIGTIME.

[Malcontent]

Tonights game is getting HUGE press here in the desert. Some are saying the Suns can actually pull it off and ahem..win the game. I happen to agree. Mark it now..with 6 minutes left in the game the Suns will be within 4 pts, or possibly in the lead. From there...its anybodys game, but look out for the mad Irish banger known as Pat Burke. Looks like the guy from the band Midnight Oil.

[Northman]

I went 1-1 last night but i didnt want to touch this game. Suns do catch a break being at home though.

[theAPAOps5]

As much as I want to think the Suns have a chance the fact that they are losing one of their best Defensive players in Boris Diaw and one of the NBA stars in Amare Stoudmire. Who is going to man up on Duncan? Hopefully, they can use the adrenaline to pull off the win.

[Dedhed]

The commissioner blew this to the point where he should be forced to resign.

Duncan and the Spurs are the NBA's version of Peyton and the Colts. Duncan leaving the bench in reaction to a hard foul was not at all different from what Stoudamire did. There was no altercation when Amare left the Bench. Duncan did THE EXACT SAME THING.

I haven't paid any attention to basketball in years because their product has sucked. With the Warriors beating Dallas the NBA registered on my radar, and then the Suns/Spurs sereies and Lebron and the Cavs kept my attention. This incident reminded me why the NBA, and particularly David Stern, sucks. The Spurs have been a bunch of dirty little whining b!tches, and the Suns take the hit. It's pathetic.

If anyone thinks justice was served that Amare was suspended for standing up off the bench when the ditrbag Bowen deliberately kneed Nash in the nuts, you nned to calibrate your moral compass.

The NBA is a joke. That is all.

BTW- For those saying this is a "Black and White Rule", you're wrong. There is a precedent for ignoring this rule. Rick Fox of the Lakers got in a brawl that went off the court and into the tunnel to the lockerroom. Shaq went all the way from the bench and into the tunnel, and didn't receive a suspension. The same commissioner and the same other douche said there were "a number of extenuating circumstances" that absolve Shaq (and others from suspension.

The NBA sucks. They completey blew it.

[DarkHorse30]

I was thinking if they are getting waxed, make a hard ass foul on Duncan by some no name on their roster. If its bad enough, maybe they can get someone else suspended for the Spurs and not lose much like the Spurs did for game 5.

Good call. Stern should overrule his minion and let everybody play.....including Horry. As for the idiot that thought Nash flopped......keep posting, it's good comedy.

I'm interested to see the Suns win without a player like Stoudamire....like they did nearly all of last year. If the Spurs lost Duncan they would be toast......

[watermock]

First, let me say that I don't condone fighting.

However, this was nothing more than some scuffling. Steve Nash was such a tough guy that he never even dropped the ball after the cheap shot by Horry, which was totally out of character for him.

What are you supposed to do when your MVP is smashed against the boards? BTW, why does Duncan get a free pass for the same infraction?

David Stern, this was the best series in the year and you managed to sh!t on it. It is human instinct to come ot your fallen player, especially after he was head butted. What about the stomp on the schilles of Stodelmeir that wasn't called or the shot to the groin or the heat butt on Nash that cost them another game?

I say again, why wasn't Duncan suspended for leaving the bench?

The suns gave up a brave fight but ran out of gas late. They had some horrible shots with noone under the basket at all. That is their fault tho.

Again, I as much for rules as anyone, but damn...Nash was allready banged up on a no foul that took him out of a game with the cut. I can't believe they didn't have a staple and goop.

Horry was the only one who needed to apologize and he did. It was completely out of character and ruined the series.

In a strange way, his cheap shot actually helped the Spurs. Go Figure.

Finally, I never had any favorite in this series. What I have seen however is cheap shots by the Spurs yet more Suns rode the pine last night.

i've seen a head butt, a knee to the groin and Horry's tackle, yet more Suns are suspanded than Spurs?

[TDmvp]

2 words come to mind ...

got ... and then right after that one ... hosed ....

[tsr28]

i've seen a head butt, a knee to the groin and Horry's tackle, yet more Suns are suspanded than Spurs?

You could add the Bowen foot swipe to that list.

The headbutt wasn't intentional by either player, though I was impressed how Nash wasn't phased yet Parker was rolling in pain on the floor. It sucks the Spurs, whether they got hosed by the NBA or not, are in the Suns heads, always have been. They lead that whole game until there was just over a minute left to play. So close.

[watermock]

The Suns got ruined.

[gunns]

I say again, why wasn't Duncan suspended for leaving the bench?


That's the biggest question, not a mystery, but a big question.

[Garcia Bronco]

The Suns screwed themselves...and with 10 to go they were up by 10 points. They could have won.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Phoenix did as much as they could for as long as they could. There's no doubt in my mind that they win that game by at least 15 with Amare/Diaw in the mix. Suns take the next two and close it out in 7.

At least I hope so. I'm so sick of the Spurs and their disgusting sense of entitlement.

[ant1999e]

The Spurs are dirty bitches.