Suns-Rockets mess could have been avoided

Everyone is still talking about the mini-melee between the Suns and the Houston Rockets at U.S. Airways Center on Wednesday night. The funny thing is, it probably could have been avoided altogether.

The fracas started when Tracy McGrady set a hard pick on Steve Nash, which apparently tweaked Nash’ shoulder. On Houston’s next trip down the floor, Rafer Alston tried to set a pick on Suns’ forward Matt Barnes, who clearly didn’t take kindly to McGrady’s previous screen on Nash, and threw his left shoulder into Alston. Tempers flared after Alston charged Barnes. No punches were thrown, but bodies were strewn all over the floor.

It was an obvious foul on Barnes, and should have led to a 4-point opportunity after McGrady canned a three to put the Rockets up 74-55. Yet, there was no whistle, despite the fact that Barnes’ blow occurred right in front of lead official Greg Willard.

McGrady hit the three from the top of the key, and actually behind the foul occuring right in front of him, so I’m not sure what Willard was looking at (or not looking at). If a foul is called, leading to the four-point play, chances are Alston doesn’t charge Barnes, and this mess is avoided.

Barnes, along with Alston was ejected, and will likely be fined by the league. But I do have to say it was refreshing to see a Suns’ player show a little muscle in defense of one of the stars. The Suns were down by 19 points at the time, so a lot of people will claim that Barnes’ actions were born out of desperation and frustration. But I view it more like hockey, where players police the ice, and get a little rough when need be, just to send a message to their opponent that star players can’t be roughed up.

Unfortunately for Matt Barnes, this just wasn’t a two-minute minor, and his wallet will be a little lighter because of it.

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Tags: Greg Willard, Matt Barnes, Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash