Getty Images
The Houston Rockets managed to avoid elimination in the Western Conference Finals with a timely win against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4. Unfortunately, it may have come at a cost.
It is no secret Rockets center Dwight Howard has been known to throw an elbow or two in a game when he gets frustrated. That was no different in Monday night’s contest.
After Josh Smith lost control of the ball, Howard and Warriors center Andrew Bogut began to shove back and forth in an effort to recover the basketball. Bogut gave Howard a strong push, which is where Houston fans may have an argument, and Howard responded by tossing his left elbow into the center of Bogut’s face with authority. Howard was given a flagrant-one foul for the incident.
The good news is it did not look as if Howard was intentionally trying to hurt Bogut. He more or less was responding to Bogut’s shove, which he then reacted by throwing his elbow back hoping to make contact. The bad news is there is enough evidence to warrant a suspension for Game 5.
The NBA pays attention to a player’s history, the severity of the hit and if the hit made contact with an opposing player’s head. Since everyone knows Howard likes to throw his elbows, and he hit Bogut rather hard in the face, it certainly does not stack up well for him. Not to mention, Howard was not ejected for the incident, which actually could have played in his favor. If he was removed from the contest by the game officials, his punishment would have been served. However, because he was allowed to stay in the game to essentially ensure a Rockets victory, the NBA may be forced to hand down a harsher penalty.
In 16 playoff games this season, Howard has posted 16.3 points, 13.9 rebounds and 2.19 steals per game. Basically, that translates to Houston being in big trouble if the league decides Howard must sit out Game 5.
James Harden can only do so much, and the Rockets need a big presence around the basket. Without Howard in the lineup, the Houston is as good as finished.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
