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Two ejections and three technical fouls were assessed as a result of a third quarter melee
between the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets on Wednesday. (AP Photo: Jeremy York)
A night highlighted by poor shooting, careless passes, and frustration doomed the Suns in a 94-82 loss to the Houston Rockets.
Phoenix’s 82 points is a season low, a product of 37.6 percent shooting from the field, and 13 turnovers.
Although it was a seven point game at the half, Houston pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 30-18. The Suns’ frustration came to a head with 27 seconds left in the quarter when an altercation broke out between Matt Barnes and Houston’s Rafer Alston.
Barnes ran through Alston as he positioned to set a pick to Barnes’ left side. Tracy McGrady, who Barnes was guarding, pulled up and hit a three-pointer, and as the players started back down court, Alston ran after Barnes.
As the two started to shove, players from both teams quickly began to intervene, some as peacemakers, others as contributors to the melee. Steve Nash came up behind Alston, where McGrady then shoved Nash to the ground. Shaquille O’Neal countered by shoving McGrady down.
The turmoil spilled to the sideline near the crowd, and coaches from both teams, along with the referees, quickly separated the players to deter any further altercation.
After several minutes of break in the action while the referees reviewed the incident, Barnes and Alston were both ejected from the game, while Nash, O’Neal, and McGrady were all assessed technical fouls.
“I tried to get through a screen and I guess I was too rough for him, so he tried to retaliate, and you know just a bunch of pushing. I didn’t really think anyone should have got thrown out, (because) there was no punches thrown. But the refs did what they thought was necessary,” said Barnes after the game.
No immediate speculation was made regarding further penalties stemming from the altercation, but it will most likely be reviewed by the league office. Further punishment could be distributed as early as Thursday if it was found necessary.
As far as the game itself, Houston owned a 19 point lead at the time of the scuffle, and never let it fall under double figures again.
After scoring a total of five points in his last two games, McGrady led the Rockets with 27 points on 11 for 18 shooting, including 4 of 5 from behind the arc. Yao Ming contributed 17 points and 15 rebounds, and before being ejected, Alston had 15 points on 7 for 11 shooting.
Although jumping out to an 8-0 lead to start the game, Phoenix never seemed to be able to find their rhythm. They only scored 37 points in the first half, including a 15 point second quarter.
O’Neal was the one bright spot for the Suns, leading the way with 18 points and 13 rebounds, as well as four blocks. He played very physical against Yao, and was the only player that seemed to have any consistency on offense for Phoenix.
Steve Nash did hit a half court buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter, but it was waived off by the officials who said he released the ball after time had expired. Nash finished with 10 points and only three assists.
Amar’e Stoudemire, who was named Western Conference Player of the Week last week, made only 5 of 13 shot attempts, while finishing with 11 points and 9 rebounds. He’s averaging 24.6 points and 8.4 rebounds on the year.
The Suns (6-3) are off until Friday when they travel to take on the Sacramento Kings (4-5) in their first division game of the season.
For more info: See more on Matt Barnes here
Get another take of the game from Michael Street, the Asian-American Sports Examiner
Rockets 94, Suns 82
Get another take of the game from Michael Street, the Asian-American Sports Examiner
Rockets 94, Suns 82
Comments
I was sorry to read of the poor sportmanship exhibited by both teams. Josh has made me a fan of the Suns and I feel professionals should set a better example for our youth. Keep reporting it like it is, Josh.
Josh: I missed this one and it sounds like I shouldn't have. One question: with all the guys leaving the bench, aren't we at the point where automatic suspensions happen?
Hey Paula. No one actually left the bench from either team, only the coaching staffs. Surprisingly, both benches kept their cool...and feet off the court.
Nice reporting, Josh--I agree that the coaches handled it well by getting out there quickly, and most players are smart enough these days not to leave the bench. Sadly, this is because they're more used to altercations than ever before, but an ounce of prevention still goes a long way . . .
Awesome job on reporting this Josh. I was at the game (yes second game of the week, so awesome) and it all happened so fast it was hard to get what really happened. Tough night, but not down and out. GO SUNS!!!!
I have to play Devil's Advocate here; I think it's good Shaq retaliated for teammate Steve Nash. It's going to hurt to lose Barnes, but I think this will make the team stronger as a whole when it's done. Say what you want about Shaq off the court, but he definitely looks to protect his teammates.
I wouldn't link Barnes into the "dirty" category, but certain players in the NBA are definitely looking to create the extra hit (Bruce Bowen and James Posey come to mind). I hope he doesn't end up in that category, although, if it's a symptom of the best defensive players in the league, maybe it is inevitable.
Also, it has to be a good thing for the Rockets when a fight breaks out and Ron Artest isn't a key player in the altercations that follow. As for Skip to my Lou, no reason for him to play street. This year could be their year if they all keep cool, their amazing win streak last year as proof.
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