In order for the Lakers to climb back in their series against Dallas, they need to slow down Dirk Nowitzki. Ron Artest may be capable of doing that by playing physical against Nowitzki. Too bad Ron won’t get the chance to try in Game 3. He was understandably suspended for Game 3 for clotheslining JJ Barea.
Lakers forward Ron Artest was suspended one game without pay for his foul on Mavericks guard Jose Juan Barea in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals series against Dallas.
With 24.4 seconds left in the Mavericks’ 93-81 win over the Lakers, Artest reached out with his right hand and grabbed Barea by the face and essentially clotheslined him. Artest was immediately ejected after picking up his second technical foul.
The foul was classified a flagrant foul 2. Artest was out of position and had to run through Odom to get to Barea, who took a minute to recover before making two free throws to seal the Mavs’ victory.
Artest will miss Friday’s Game 3 in Dallas, with the Mavericks leading the best-of-seven series 2-0.
“I have no reaction,” Artest said after Thursday’s practice. “I’m ready to move forward and play basketball.”
Read more about Ron’s suspension via ESPN.com.
