The NBA dealt a significant blow to the Miami Heat's frontline depth, as the league suspended center Dexter Pittman three games for striking the neck and shoulders of Indiana guard Lance Stephenson, and also suspended forward Udonis Haslem one game for striking the head and shoulders of Indiana’s Tyler Hansbrough.
Both Pittman and Haslem had their Flagrant Foul Ones upgraded to Flagrant Foul Twos, as did Indiana’s Hansbrough, who struck the head of Miami’s Dwyane Wade on a foul during the Heat’s 115-83 Game 5 victory.
Both players will be suspended for Game 6, with Haslem's unavailability clearly being the greater loss.
Given that All-Star Chris Bosh has been suffering from an abdominal injury, Haslem has been the only Heat big man capable of being a consistent offensive threat during this series. His ability to hit midrange jumpers will be sorely missed in what will be a hostile Game 6 road environment.
By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services
The NBA should introduce on the spot replay in an effort to stop this kind of behavior as in the NFL.
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