Big Shot Bob turning into a Cheap Shot Boob could turn out to help San Antonio.
Before we get into the mess, how great was the last 5 minutes of the game? It was just enough to make up for what was an otherwise maddening game in this series. I'm convinced Spurs fans would think the game was well officiated if the Suns had 30 fouls to their 2. And channeling Bill Simmons a bit here, have you ever two teams' players spend more time whining about calls? IF you're bored for Game 5 (unlikely) try comparing the amount of shots taken to the amount of time the whiny faces comes out. The latter will win. Promise.
Now to the unfortunate mess that Stu Jackson has before him this morning. As you can see from the video Boris Diaw and Amare Stoudemire momentarily leave the bench, not fully onto the floor and into the play, but enough that by the letter of the law they appear to have broken a dumb NBA rule. Sadly, I side with Barkley here. You have to acknowledge a player's immediate reaction is going to defend their teammates. So long as they didn't jump into the fracas and returned to the bench I don't see the issue. It's a technicality and why let that ruin an entire hard fought series? Even this intelligent Spurs fan wants Amare to play. (Pounding the Rock)
Horry is out. That's a given. His cheap shot started this mess, and was completely uncalled for. And please spare me the Nash flopped after hitting the wall. Doesn't matter. As for Bell, Diaw and Stoudemire. I wouldn't suspend them a game, but I suspect Stern won't see it that way as he's never treated a rule with grey area.
Who do you think should be suspended?
Few more thoughts from the Game: 1) Did Shaq bring anything to the studio last night? I swear he only said 10 words.
2) The officiating is atrocious (on both sides, Spurs fans). They're to blame for this series getting out of control. However, the problem they are having is an embarrassingly high amount of flops. So on one side, I support them letting everyone play, but the lack of consistency has forced each team to see what more they can get away with.
3) Anyone else find it amusing Spurs fan are so sure Amare should be suspended, but not so much on Diaw. Watch the footage again. Diaw makes it just as far off the bench (and doesn't have the poor I was checking in excuse). So why is it Amare is more guilty? Oh, right.
4) How poor is the 'I was checking in excuse." Creative, but poor.
5) Nash's interview postgame confirms his place atop my 'coolest athletes in sports' list.