The NBA has suspended Memphis forward Zach Randolph for Game 7 of a first-round playoff series between the Grizzlies and Thunder on Saturday after determining that he “punched” Oklahoma City center Steven Adams “in the jaw” during Game 6 on Thursday.
With a little over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and Oklahoma City leading 88-71, Adams and Randolph battled for rebounding position during a Memphis possession. After the shot missed, Oklahoma City cleared the rebound and play began to move down to the other end. The two players briefly jockeyed, and Randolph appeared to use both arms to shove Adams in the face, causing Adams to run off of his course towards the sideline.This is Game 7! And it's probably safe to say that if this were KD throwing a 'bow, and happened to catch Tony Allen upside the head, the Thunder wouldn't be missing one of their best players for the deciding game of a series.Memphis could turn to reserve power forwards James Johnson, Ed Davis and Jon Leuer to make up for Randolph's absence. The winner of Memphis-Oklahoma City will play the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers-Golden State Warriors series in the second round.Memphis coach Dave Joerger's team has dealt with injuries and lineup changes all season. Tony Allen missed 27 games this season, Marc Gasol 23 and Conley nine. Kosta Koufos and Ed Davis will likely fill Randolph's minutes.
"This is it," Joerger said. "Whatever you want to say about the season, it's all come down to one game. Certainly, for us to have the best chance to win, we have to play better than we did last night."
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