Rondo suspended for Game 2 vs. Hawks
ATLANTA — Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo has been suspended for Game 2 of the opening- round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks.
The NBA announced its decision Monday, less than 24 hours after Rondo stuck out his chest to bump referee Marc Davis while complaining about a call in the final minute of Boston’s 83- 74 loss in Game 1.
Rondo won’t be able to play tonight in Atlanta when the Celtics try to even the series. The NBA’S assist leader scored 20 points and dished out 11 assists in the opener, leaving Boston with a huge hole in its lineup.
The Celtics already have been playing without shooting guard Ray Allen, who’s hobbling on a sore right ankle. Avery Bradley will likely move over to take Rondo’s place at the point.
Grizzlies try to shake blown lead
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies have a hangover so bad sleep was almost impossible, and they can only hope two days can help them shake the sick feeling of blowing a 27- point lead right along with home- court advantage to open the playoffs.
Zach Randolph couldn’t sleep, so he watched himself miss an easy layup late in Sunday night’s 99- 98 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on tape. Guard Mike Conley tossed and turned before heading back to the gym.
Coach Lionel Hollins is preaching calm to his Grizzlies — and a city. He notes it’s only one loss and Memphis can even the series Wednesday in Game 2.
The Clippers know their comeback was historic. Their challenge is playing defense the whole game and adjusting without Caron Butler, lost because of a broken left hand.
Bobcats’ Silas not returning
CHARLOTTE, N. C. — The Charlotte Bobcats have announced that coach Paul Silas won’t be back following the worst season in NBA history.
Team spokesman Josh Rosen confirmed the decision Monday. Silas just completed the final year of his contract.
Charlotte finished 7- 59 for the worst winning percentage in league history (. 106).
The 68- year- old Silas told The Associated Press late in the year that he wanted to “see things through” and coach one more season.
It’s unclear who’ll replace Silas, who leaves with a 32- 88 at Charlotte.
The Bobcats were last in the league in scoring and shooting percentage and lost 22 games by 20 or more points.
Lakers’ Hill charged with assault
HOUSTON — Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill faces a felony assault charge after an incident with his girlfriend in Houston.
Hill is charged with allegedly shoving and choking 28- year- old Darlene Luna, about 1 p. m. on Feb. 29 at his Houston apartment. Luna told police that the two had been dating for about two
years. He was charged by Harris County prosecutors in March.
The 6- foot- 10 Hill played for Houston from February 2010 to March 2012, when he was traded to Los Angeles for point guard Derek Fisher. Hill was a first- round pick in the 2009 draft by New York. He played in 32 games for the Rockets last season.
Hill scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Lakers’ 103- 88 win over Denver in the opener of their playoff series. He has a court appearance scheduled for today in Houston.
US men’s team faces tough draw
RIO DE JANEIRO — The U. S. will play Argentina, France and Tunisia in the first round the Olympic men’s basketball tournament in London.
The U. S. was drawn into Group A on Monday in Rio de Janeiro, along with the first and second teams in the world qualifying tournament, which will be played in Venezuela in July.
Spain, runner- up to the U. S. in the Beijing Games, was drawn into Group B along with Australia, Brazil, China, Britain and the third qualifier in Venezuela.
The American women’s team was drawn into Group A along with China, Angola and the first, second and fourth teams from the qualifying tournament played in Turkey in June. Group B has Australia, Brazil, Britain, Russia and the third and fifth qualifiers.
D’backs hand slumping Marlins another loss
MIAMI — Left- hander Patrick Corbin pitched 5 2- 3 innings to win his major league debut Monday, and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the slumping Miami Marlins 9- 5.
The 22- year- old Corbin, who was called up from Double- A Mobile, struck out six and allowed three runs.
One day after jumping ahead 8- 0, the Diamondbacks were up 7- 0 by the fifth inning. Cody Ransom and Justin Upton hit two- run homers, and Willie Bloomquist had a two- run double.
The home team drew boos for the second straight day and lost for the eighth time in nine games. Miami tapped into a 1- 2- 3 bases- loaded double play and committed three errors, including one on a misplayed bunt that led to a five- run inning.