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Hornets’ Jason Smith suspended two games for hit on Griffin

Blake Griffin, Vinny Del Negro

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) walks off the court with head coach Vinny Del Negro after being knocked to the court on a flagrant foul by New Orleans Hornets forward Jason Smith in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Thursday, March 22, 2012. Smith was ejected from the game as the Hornets won 97-90. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

AP

We all knew a suspension was coming for that hit, the question was for how long?

Jason Smith will be suspended for two games by the league for his hockey check of Blake Griffin during the Hornets victory over the Clippers Thursday night, the league has announced. He will miss a game Sunday against the Spurs then a Monday rematch with the Clippers (that the Clippers was the second game almost ensured at least a two-game suspension as the league tries to avoid any retaliation).

The question of hard fouls on Griffin is a complex one that our own Matt Moore discussed in great detail. The book on Griffin is to be physical with him, but this was beyond any reasonable likes. It was a takedown with no play on the ball. Smith is lucky it is only two games.