Zach Randolph has been suspended for Game 7 of the Memphis Grizzlies-Oklahoma City Thunder playoff game Saturday for his “punch” on Thunder center Steven Adams during Game 6 on Thursday.
The NBA ruled that Z-Bo punched Adams as the two were running up the court with 6:43 left in Game 6 and the Thunder up 88-71. Randolph and Adams were fighting for position on a rebound and Randolph gave Adams a shove in the back. Adams nudged Randolph as they were running up the court, and Z-Bo responded by getting even more physical.
Z-Bo only received a foul on the play. I felt a technical foul was warranted for Randolph’s excessive contact, but a suspension is completely excessive.
That wasn’t even a punch — it was a push with his fist. By suspending Z-Bo, you’re taking away one of Memphis’ best players for the deciding game of the series. Terrible decision by the league.
Oh, and there’s this:
Z-Bo taking issue with Adams, telling ref "You better get him!"
— Ronald Tillery (@CAGrizBeat) May 2, 2014
Z-Bo said something to the officials before that happened.
Video via Beyond the Buzzer
