Balls Out

Since Mark Cuban's going to write 6,000 words in his blog about this over the next two days, I'll try to keep this short. Jason Terry punching Michael Finley where the Suns don't shine is inexcusable. I'm not so much worried about his individual actions as much as I'm worried about the state of the league. Two of the most exciting playoff rounds in the NBA's history now have been marred by not one, but two violent, crotch-related incidents (Reggie Evans already "shocked" Chris Kaman in the first round). Not to mention, Rookie of the Year Chris Paul was handing out testicle exams in his conference tournament last year.

All of these rule changes aren't just softening up the style of play—they're softening up the players. Yes, I like watching the little guys run 'n' gun through 100-point shootouts, but whatever happened to big-man, bench-clearing brawls? In 2006, if you knock someone to the ground, you're looking at a flagrant foul, possible suspension, and three segments on SportsCenter. There's a fine line between mandating high-scoring basketball with quick whistles and everyone prancing around worrying about their third hand-checking foul of the first quarter.

So Mr. Stern, please let the players play again—this is the postseason. Everyone's so afraid of being physical, they're resorting to below-the-waistline sneak attacks. That's not how basketball players fight—and that's certainly not how to get your money's worth for a one-game suspension. The only reason to miss the playoffs is if you lose your series, dangle a coach from your leg, or, in the most egregious of offenses, take a single step off the bench. Other than that, let these guys settle it in the paint—and out of the taint.