Knicks review West off bench in Game 1
Boston's Delonte West saves the ball from a back court violation during the fourth quarter of Boston's 87-85 win over the Knicks in Game 1 on Sunday. (Apr. 17, 2011) Credit: AP
BOSTON -- The Knicks were upset about two officiating decisions that didn't go their way in the final 21 seconds of Sunday's Game 1 loss. But Monday the Knicks staff was reviewing a more critical play that the referees missed and left some people wondering if it could have had an impact on the ending.
After Ray Allen's three-pointer gave the Celtics their final lead with 11.6 seconds left, Delonte West ran off the Boston bench to celebrate the shot with Allen on the court. West likely anticipating a timeout by the Knicks, but the Knicks didn't have any left and they inbounded the ball, which meant the game was still in play while West was on the court.
He retreated as Toney Douglas crossed halfcourt and fed Carmelo Anthony for his last-second attempt, but technically West was in violation. Knicks fans remember Game 5 of the 1997 playoffs against the Heat, when four key Knicks left the bench as P.J. Brown and Charlie Ward got into a fight. The four players were suspended one game and it wound up costing the Knicks the series.
So should West be suspended for leaving the bench? No. According to the NBA rules, a suspension is handed down when a player leaves the bench area during an altercation. In this case, with West celebrating the big shot, the most that could have been called is a delay-of-game.
Shaq out again
The Celtics got a boost at center from Jermaine O'Neal and they will continue to rely on him at that position, as Shaquille O'Neal once again was unable to practice Monday because of a calf strain. Doc Rivers already declared Shaq out for Game 2.
