NBA Basketball Betting News: Ron Artest Suspended For Game 3
Friday, May 06, 2011
by Bodog Sportsbook
It’s gone from bad to worse for the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA has suspended Ron Artest for one game, Game 3, after Ron Ron went “Queensbridge” on guard J.J. Barea, clotheslining him with just a couple of seconds left in the Lakers’ 93-81 loss to the Mavericks.
“It was uncalled for,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of Artest’s foul.
Artest’s foul was obviously out of frustration from their play against the Mavericks in Game 1 and 2. They led by as much as 16 in Game 1 before losing 96-94, and looked lost in Game 2.
The suspension weakens the Lakers as they are headed to Dallas trailing the Mavericks 2-0 in the series. Only three teams in NBA history have ever rallied to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two games at home.
Problems stem from lack of chemistry from the entire roster, and issues with the inside game. Pau Gasol is once again struggling, getting overpowered by Dallas’ interior defense. The all-star Lakers forward had just 13 points off 5-12 shooting with 10 rebounds, a far cry from the 18.8 points per game he averaged in the regular season.
Now without Artest to play defense and hit the occasional open shot within the offense, Gasol or Lamar Odom will have to step up. It will also be up to Matt Barnes, who is the likely starter in Artest’s absence.
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j.j. barea - lamar odom - los angeles lakers - matt barnes - pau gasol - phil jackson - ron artest