NEW YORK - Center Brad Miller's reaction to a
non-call will make him a non-factor in the Sacramento Kings'
trip to Seattle.
On Thursday, the NBA suspended Miller one game without pay for
improper conduct immediately following the Kings' 125-123 loss
to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The league also fined guards
Mike Bibby and Cuttino Mobley $15,000 apiece and forward Chris
Webber $10,000 for their actions.
Miller, who is averaging 15.6 points and 9.3 rebounds in 48
starts this season, will serve his suspension Thursday when
Sacramento faces the Seattle SuperSonics at KeyArena.
On the Kings' final possession Tuesday, Webber passed to Miller
for what appeared to be an uncontested basket. But Suns center
Amare Stoudemire emphatically swatted the ball away as time
expired.
The Kings thought Stoudemire goaltended the shot and showed
their displeasure. Miller berated the referees before throwing
his headband and wristbands into the stands. Webber kicked the
ball into the stands.
Bibby was fined for verbally abusing an official and failing to
leave the court in a timely manner. Mobley was cited for
publicly criticizing the officials after the game.
"I think we got robbed," Mobley said. "(The referees)
rushed off the court after the game. They wouldn't even review
the play. It was blatant and they wouldn't even review the
play. (Suns forward) Shawn Marion grabs him, then it's a
goaltend. They missed the call and closed their eyes to the
foul."