Rockets C Dwight Howard will not be suspended for Andrew Bogut slap
Houston C Dwight Howard will not be suspended for Game 5 of the NBA's Western Conference finals for slapping Warriors C Andrew Bogut in the face in Game 4, according to the Associated Press.
NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn said that Howard recklessly hit Bogut "in the face with an open hand." While Howard's contact was unnecessary, Thorn told USA Today, it was not "unnecessary and reckless."
Game officials deemed the contact "unnecessary" at the time, Thorn added, noting that he felt no need to alter Monday night's call.
Howard struck Bogut in the face with what appeared to be his forearm in response to Bogut's physical play during Monday night's 128–115 Houston victory over Golden State.
The foul, which came at the 8:06 mark of the third quarter, was determined by referee Joey Crawford to be a Flagrant 1.
Golden State and Houston will play Game 5 of the series in Oakland in Wednesday night.
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