Dwight Howard helped carry the Magic to a 3-2 series lead over the Sixers on Tuesday, but it's likely his teammates will be on their own for Game 6 in Philadelphia on Thursday. That's because of an elbow that Howard threw -- and landed -- to the head of Samuel Dalembert less than three minutes into Orlando's Game 5 victory.
The slow motion replay is what will get Howard his suspension, I think, because it shows that he clearly looks in Dalembert's direction before issuing the blow to his head. It's really no different than if Howard used his fist; some might argue that his elbow might be capable of inflicting more damage.
Howard was called for a technical foul, but remained in the game, contrary to what the rulebook mandates in that situation. I suspect the league will correct that mistake by taking Howard off the floor for Game 6.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-29-2009 @ 2:36AM
mcjesus666 said...
howard probaly will be suspended. I'm not defending what he did cos he should be able to control himself, but this kind of stuff happens when you let chippy play happen. They let players to play rough then are shocked when someone steps up. Howard was shoved and he "cleared" out his space. It didn't look to me like he was trying to smash his face a la karl malone on steve nash a few years back.
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4-29-2009 @ 4:50AM
obamaizadope said...
dangerous, and cheap. as Mark Jackson would say, you're better than that..
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4-29-2009 @ 7:28AM
Nate said...
I think he should , but won't be suspended at all because that would mean an empty arena for the next game. This is Stern's call, after all...
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4-29-2009 @ 12:08PM
Rich Cantwell said...
Do you really think Stern cares about this series? This year is all about Labron vs. Kobe for Stern, and I doubt he will let any team get in the way of that.
4-29-2009 @ 8:30AM
jack said...
I am thinking about the next game and what will happen on next game...............
http://www.sportsbetting.com/
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4-29-2009 @ 11:31AM
yamobthere07 said...
Howard sent a message to Philly: If you think youre going to use 3 different centers every game to hack and cheap shot me you are gonna get what you give , PERIOD. It wont matter if he sits , Orlando will win thenext game anyway. Philly's little run is over. Orlando will move on and beat the Celtic next , WATCH!
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4-29-2009 @ 12:35PM
Brian said...
Let me get this straight. The 76ers center can use both arms to literally shove Howard out of the way, but Dwight can't defend himself? If by watching the film and DW gets suspended, so should Dalembert for the same thing. I guess it's true, only the second action gets called.
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4-29-2009 @ 1:09PM
Michael gifford said...
Might be?????? He damn well should be for at least one if not two...that was clearly intentional and not just "a reaction" he waited until they were turned around and then did it...that takes malice aforethought...as for the Howard defenders...shoving someone out of the lane in an attempt for position is a foul...no question, but smacking someone across the head with your elbow AFTER the fact is a flagrant and deserves the suspension...maybe you should experience both and see which one of them has more impact...they are clearly NOT the same...and as a Philly Hater...I have no love for the sixers or any of that town's team but that elbow was cold, and cheap...
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4-29-2009 @ 1:14PM
John Butler said...
If it was the last seconds of the game then they would just call it a personal like Rondos karate chop to brad miller nowhere near the ball...
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