A first glance at the tape doesn’t look good for Shaun Livingston.
Without context and further analysis, it’s tough to believe the blow leveed to Dirk Nowitzki could be anything but intentional. Livingston’s right arm is situated perfectly between the Dirk’s legs, and it’s not like he’s flailing out of control, either. The Golden State Warriors reserve is clearly in a defensive position that he chose.
But there’s some grey area here, especially considering Livingston’s reputation in league circles. Might his forearm have propelled upward as a result of Nowitzki giving a bump and hitting his elbow? It seems possible at the very least, and the Dallas Mavericks legend acknowledging it after the game lends further credence to that prospect – despite his tongue in cheek enjoyment of the play in question.
Dirk on Shaun Livingston: "He's actually a really, really good dude, so I have to give him the benefit of the doubt."
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) April 5, 2015
Dirk jokingly on the Shaun Livingston low blow: "I really enjoyed his tight grip. Yeah, I really enjoyed that." #DALvsGSW
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) April 5, 2015
Livingston, of course, maintained a lack of culpability despite being assessed a flagrant-1 foul upon video review.
S. Livingston: "11 years in, I haven’t had a dirty play. I haven’t made a name in this league by playing that way. It was just an accident."
— Rusty Simmons (@JRustySimmons) April 5, 2015
We’re inclined to believe Livingston here. His track record as a model NBA citizen gives him benefit of doubt, and Nowitzki allowing for coincidence affords him even more. But not everyone is so forgiving.
As the teams left the floor following Golden State’s 123-110 victory over Dallas, Mark Cuban stopped Steve Kerr and his staff to “discuss” the incident.
Mark Cuban talking to Steve Kerr and Alvin Gentry after the game RT @steele_kyle http://t.co/HQcZ3B26Or
— Diamond Leung (@diamond83) April 5, 2015
Cuban says reported friction of his meeting with Kerr was overblown, but still thinks Livingston’s play was dirty. Via Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group:
“Look, it was no confrontation,” Cuban said, adding he would not ask for Livingston to be suspended. “Don’t make it seem like one. It was just a friendly conversation, and I was curious because it’s just wrong. It’s just wrong.
“It’s not like I’m mad, right? They’re a good organization, and I would think that’s just not the way you do things.”
Cuban said he asked Kerr if he was going to address the incident with Livingston. Kerr said Cuban appeared upset and replied that he did not see the replay of the flagrant foul being committed. Livingston also happened to walk by, according to Kerr, who said the player was “very apologetic.”
Cuban and the Mavericks have a right to be upset. Like we said, video of the play seems to indicate malicious intent from Livingston. But Golden State really isn’t that type of team, and the 11th-year veteran really not that type of player.
We’re happy to call it an accident. An admission that naiveté could be getting the best of us, though, obviously makes that assessment less than foolproof.
[Bay Area News Group] [Vine via Vinnyviner]
