L.A. Lakers defensive stopper Ron Artest was suspended one game without pay for his violent foul on Mavericks guard Jose Juan Barea in Game 2 of Los Angeles’ Western Conference semifinals series against Dallas. Basketball scores.

The incident occurred late in the 4th quarter with nearly 24 seconds left in the Mavericks’ 93-81 victory over the Lakers. Artest went to guard Barea when he reached out with his right hand and grabbed Barea by the face and basically clotheslined him.  Ron was instantly ejected after throwing the aggressive action over the Puerto Rican guard.

The foul was considered as a Flagrant Foul 2. Artest will miss Friday’s Game 3 in Dallas with the Mavericks leading the best-of-seven series 2-0. Nevertheless, the Lakers have a similar type of player in Matt Barnes who is likely to start in Artest’s place, keeping L.A.’s rotation of big men intact with Lamar Odom coming off the bench. Basketball odds.

Artest lost his mind during the final seconds of the game. He was clearly out of position and had to run through Odom to knock “Jay Jay”, who took a minute to pull through due to the aggressive blow; before making two free throws to seal the Mavs’ victory. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he expected Artest to be suspended by the NBA. “It was uncalled for. There’s a good chance he’ll be suspended,” Jackson said, adding, “I hope not.”

Artest’s elbow to Mavs center Tyson Chandler before halftime got him his first technical foul. Barea didn’t talk about Artest’s intentions towards him or his suspension after the game. Basketball spreads.

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