Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers argued that the NBA needs to limit the act of stimulating opposing star players.
Rivers, who is playing the first game of the playoffs with the Brooklyn Nets, said in an interview with local media such as ‘ESPN’ on the 22nd (Korean time), “If only those who retaliate, not instigators, continue to be punished, it will be a serious problem for this league.” He said his thoughts on it.
In Game 3 held the day before, Philadelphia center Joel Embiid received a flagrant foul for kicking Brooklyn center Nick Claxton who was standing in front of him while he was falling. Claxton was awarded a lighter technical foul.메이저놀이터
Claxton was eventually ejected for two technical fouls, but in the scene in question, Embiid was punished more severely. Another star player in Philadelphia, James Harden, was ejected right away during the third quarter for hitting opposing forward Royce O’Neal in the vitals.
The two players did not receive additional disciplinary action such as suspension, but Harden played the match with 2 flagrant foul points and Embiid 1 point. If this score reaches 4 points, a one-game suspension is automatically issued.
Earlier, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was suspended for one game after stepping on Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis in the chest.
Rivers also made controversial remarks, saying, “Green should not have been disciplined.” “The reason Green stepped on the opponent’s chest was because the player grabbed his foot,” he said, arguing that the person who provided the cause was more of a problem than the act of stepping on his chest. Regarding the disciplinary suspension against Green, he expressed concern, saying, “I think the league has set a very dignified precedent.”
Returning to the scene of Embiid, he said, “I think we need to make unwritten rules like hockey. One of them is to stand on top of an opponent who has fallen. You shouldn’t do that,” he said, arguing that it is necessary to refrain from stimulating the opposing star player.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia, which currently leads with three wins, is expected to play without Embiid in Game 4, which will be held a day later.
ESPN, citing sources, said Embiid would miss Game 4 with a sprained ligament in his right knee. It was reported that his return was possible early next week.
