Metta World Peace delivered a cheap shot on Oklahoma City’s James Harden in the second quarter of Sunday’s game in Los Angeles. With just over 90 seconds remaining in the first half, World Peace celebrated a big basket and laid a dirty elbow into the left side of Harden’s head.
He tried to argue that he was just celebrating and Harden got in his way. I’ve never seen a player wind up and throw an elbow in celebration. Definitely not that case.
It’s clear from the replay, the vicious blow was intentional. He was ejected from the game and now deserves to miss a handful of games. At least. Larry Sanders was suspended two games in a scuffle against the Pacers. This was a dirty play and not just trash talk. There’s no room for this type of stuff in the NBA.
It’s troubling to see World Peace revert back to his old days. Back when he was Ron Artest and this type of thing was expected. He has reportedly worked hard to re-shape his image and just play ball.
I guess he will forever be, Ron-Ron.