Grizzlies star Zach Randolph suspended for Game Seven against Thunderhttp://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/grizzlies-star-zach-randolph-suspended-for-game-seven-against-thunderNEW YORK – Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph was suspended for one game Friday by the NBA for throwing a punch, benching the star for Saturday’s decisive playoff showdown against Oklahoma City.
Randolph was whistled for punching Oklahoma City center Steven Adams in the jaw with 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Grizzlies’ 104-84 loss to the Thunder on Thursday in Memphis.
Referees assessed only a regular foul against Randolph on the play.
As a result, Randolph will be absent when the Grizzlies visit Oklahoma City with their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series deadlocked at 3-3.
Randolph is averaging 18.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in the series, working inside with Spanish big man Marc Gasol.
Against the Thunder, Randolph has career averages of 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds.
The Grizzlies can replace Randolph with a reserve or add Tony Allen to the lineup, surrendering the height and inside power Randolph would have offered for the speed and outside threat of Allen.