Already down 0-2 to the Dallas Mavericks in their best-of-seven series, the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff fortunes just took another turn for the worse, as the NBA announced today that Lakers' forward Ron Artest has been suspended one game without pay for swinging his arm and striking the face of Dallas Mavericks’ guard J.J. Barea.
Artest’s contact has also been classified by the NBA as a "flagrant two" foul.
The incident occurred with only 24.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ 93-81 Game 2 victory.
Artest will serve his suspension tomorrow when the Lakers face the Mavericks on the road in a "must-win" Game 3.
Without the services of his premiere defensive stopper, expect Coach Phil Jackson to have Matt Barnes replace Artest in the starting lineup at the 3. The suspension will also limit the Lakers' defensive options against Mavericks' star Dirk Nowitzki, as Artest guarded him at times during Game 2.
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com
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