Bismack Biyombo suspended for a potential Game 7 after his 3rd flagrant foul
If Toronto goes to a Game 7, Biyombo wouldn’t be available after his fourth “flagrant point.”
Bismack Biyombo would be suspended if the Raptors played a Game 7 against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals after being whistled for a flagrant foul after elbowing Kevin Love.
After grabbing a rebound, Biyombo pivoted with the ball up high and nailed Love in the jaw, a play that was ruled as a Flagrant 1 after review. In the playoffs, players receive one "flagrant point" for a Flagrant 1 foul and two points for a Flagrant 2, resulting in an automatic suspension in the following game once you reach four points. Biyombo was retroactively assessed a Flagrant 2 against the Pacers and also committed a Flagrant 1 against LeBron James earlier this series, resulting in four flagrant points and a potential suspension if Toronto forces a Game 7.
The call was debatable, and not well-received by Raptors fans, who serenaded officials with a boisterous “Refs you suck” chant following the call. Dangerous contact was made by Biyombo to Love’s head, something officials have emphasized this season. However, Biyombo’s move was simply a pivot toward the basket with the ball held high to prevent it from being stripped, something that every coach in America tells young big men to do. It didn’t appear as if Biyombo’s elbow was malicious or intentional, and his move was definitely a natural basketball one.
Biyombo’s potential playoff suspension could be rescinded if the NBA office chooses to downgrade his Flagrant 1 to a common foul. After the highly public drama surrounding Draymond Green’s kick, there would definitely be backlash if the series does go seven and Biyombo can’t play in the series-clinching game.
“If they go to Game 7, and he can’t play, and you can kick someone in the groin and play,” Jeff Van Gundy complained over the ESPN telecast, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of treatment between stars and role players. With that said, Biyombo has been hugely important for Toronto, and if they do force a Game 7, they would need him for even the slimmest chances of winning in Cleveland. Either way, it’s yet another flagrant foul controversy for the NBA if Toronto wins.
