NBA Reviewing Rondo's Foul on Miller

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Apr 29, 2009 8:45PM

If you're like us, then Rajon Rondo's late foul on Brad Miller - you know, the one where Rondo clubber Miller in the face - doesn't sit well with you. It seems the NBA agrees. Sort of. Rondo's foul is one of two the NBA is taking a second look after a physical night of playoff action. The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard has been suspended for a game after his elbow in last night's Magic-76ers game, but what about Rondo?

He's much more unlikely to be suspended for game six, but the call by the officials surely changed the tone of the game. If a flagrant had been called, the Bulls would have retained possession after Miller's free throws. Another difference? If it had been a flagrant, Coach Vinny would have been able to select a replacement shooter for Miller. Because it wasn't, if the visibly woozy Miller hadn't been able to shoot the free throws, Celtics coach Doc Rivers would have chosen the replacement shooter. Afterward, Coach Vinny said, "Rondo didn't come near the ball. He came right across his face. I agree that it is a hard playoff foul, but you still have to call it a flagrant and I'm sure that will be addressed." The league would need to upgrade Rondo's foul to a Category 2 flagrant for him to be suspended for tomorrow night's game.

Game Six in the series is tomorrow night at the United Center with tip off slated for 6 p.m. [ESPN, Tribune]