Yesterday I (and a lot of people on the Internet) skewered Rajon Rondo for allegedly taking a swipe at Deron Williams during his game winning shot Tuesday night in the Mavs/Kings game. Turns out, what we thought happened wasn’t reality:
The NBA has decided that there will be no punishment for Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo for his sideline kick toward Dallas Mavericks point guard Deron Williams in the first overtime of their game on Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the league does not typically announce decisions that don’t result in discipline. The play took place with 2:21 left in the first extra period, with Williams on the left wing and Rondo – who was sitting out because of a back problem – standing behind him on the Kings bench at the American Airlines Center. As Williams pulled up for a pumpfake, Rondo stuck out his right leg and appeared to attempt to kick the foot of the opposing point guard.
But the NBA’s investigation into the situation included a baseline camera view that, in essence, got Rondo off the hook. The camera angle showed that Rondo swiped his leg sideways and didn’t come as close to making contact with Williams as other angles had made it appear.
Video of the incident went viral after the game, with many fans believing that the leg swipe took place on the final play of the game rather than at the 2:21 mark in the first overtime. The Mavericks came back from seven points down with 1:20 left in the second overtime to win the game, with Williams hitting a three-pointer from the left corner at the buzzer.
So Rondo didn’t really come close to hitting Williams and the action did not occur on the final shot.
My bad, Rajon. Apologies.
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