LeBron James’ late-game struggles at the free throw line dominated the narrative of the Houston Rockets’ 105-103 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The King’s failings from the stripe benefited James Harden from more than a competitive standpoint, too – they took the spotlight off his bush-league kick to LeBron’s crotch in the third quarter.
While the public might have mostly forgotten Harden’s poor sportsmanship, the league office certainly hasn’t. NBA President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn announced today that The Beard has been suspended one game for “kicking James in the groin.”
Below is the league’s official press release.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been suspended one game without pay for kicking Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James in the groin, it was announced Monday by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.
The incident occurred with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter of the Rockets’ 105-103 overtime victory against the Cavaliers at Toyota Center on March 1. Harden was assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 for the incident, and it has been upgraded to a Flagrant Foul 2 upon league office review.
Harden will serve his suspension tomorrow when the Rockets travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks.
Justice.
We gave Harden slight benefit of doubt yesterday, openly wondering if his kick was intentional. The league believes it was, obviously, and video of the incident makes any other conclusion difficult to glean.
It’s a shame, too. We were really looking forward to watching Harden and his surging team take on the 47-12 Hawks. Instead, the Rockets will be without both he and Dwight Howard.
Houston and Atlanta tip-off from Philips Arena tomorrow at 7:30 EST on NBATV.
[NBA]
