Serge Ibaka got away with what appeared to be a hit to Blake Griffin’s groin at the end of Oklahoma City’s 108-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday.
The two were fighting under the basket for position as Matt Barnes’ 3-pointer from the corner went in with less than two minutes left in the game. As the ball was nearing the basket, Ibaka hit Griffin below the waist.
It’s unclear if Ibaka’s hand landed on Griffin’s thigh or nailed his Captain Winky, but Griffin hit the deck quickly. Griffin is known for flopping, so it’s difficult to base the severity of the chop on his reaction.
The play was reviewed and Ibaka received a flagrant-1 foul. Griffin made one of his two free throws.
Ibaka’s play was dirty and egregious, and he’s lucky to have escaped a flagrant-2 foul which would have resulted in an automatic ejection.
