PHOENIX -- The Western Conference finals series between L.A. and Phoenix has been competitive at times, but it hasn't been all that chippy or physical. But mid-way through the third quarter of the Suns' Game 3 win over the Lakers, Robin Lopez and Derek Fisher got tangled up a bit, and the result was Fisher taking exception to a Lopez elbow that just so happened to graze his head as Lopez ran by. Here's video of the incident.
You know how these things go, right?
The initial contact seemed to be legitimately harmless, but it's hard to believe Lopez didn't have any intent when he connected (with his arms raised) with Fisher's head as he ran by afterward. That probably was neither an accident nor a coincidence.
No personal fouls were assessed, but the referees did dole out the dreaded double technical fouls, since they couldn't seem to determine that either player was at fault here. While I do believe that (despite the video not showing it) Lopez's hit to Fisher's head was at least a little bit intentional, the fact that Fisher ran at him from behind to address the situation is an act of aggression on the basketball court that could lead to a more serious escalation of a minor incident, and thus cannot be condoned.
The dueling technicals were apparently enough to put an end to any lingering hard feelings, as that was the last we saw of any physical altercations for the remainder of the game.
Video: Derek Fisher and Robin Lopez Mix It Up in Game 3
May 24, 2010 – 2:49 AM
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