From Deseret News archives:
Debris thrown at referees, Spurs
Things got so bad that ESPN couldn't interview Duncan
It all started with about four minutes remaining in the game following a time-out, when a coin and a soft mini basketball were hurled down on the floor in the direction of Spurs guard Bruce Bowen.
That was just the precursor.
At the end of the game, the amount of debris being thrown was so bad, when ESPN sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya tried interviewing Spurs forward Tim Duncan, coach Gregg Popovich grabbed all of his players and quickly ushered them into the locker room.
Tafoya said that has never happened with Popovich before in all the years dealing with him.
When asked what was thrown, Bowen said, "Carmex. I like Carmex, but I don't know if I want to use it. I don't know where it's been."
In all, after several eyewitness accounts from media members, EnergySolutions Arena security guards and ushers, here's a list of some of the items that were tossed: empty water bottles, coins, wrappers, Carmex, towels and soft mini basketballs.
Some of these items were thrown at Spurs players as they left the floor, while others were thrown at referees Steve Javie, Joe DeRosa and Ken Mauer.
Jazz fans directed a great deal of their frustration at the refs throughout the game, as chants of "ref you suck" could be heard throughout the arena at least a dozen times.
NOT AN ISSUE: Entering Tuesday's critical game four, a lot of talk centered around the condition of Jazz guard Deron Williams, who was listed as probable with the stomach flu.
The Spurs had their own concerns, more specifically the health of guard Michael Finley, whose back has stiffened up periodically on him throughout the playoffs.
If he was ailing, it sure didn't show, as he finished with 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting in 30 minutes of play. Eleven of his points came in the first half.
NOTHING BUT PRAISE: Count Spurs coach Gregg Popovich as one of the guys who always envisioned Carlos Boozer would emerge into an NBA star.
Popovich was one of Boozer's assistant coaches on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team that won a bronze medal.
Comments
- Smith's crisp day leads 49ers 6:23 p.m.
- Pittman's 21 points lead Texas 6:21 p.m.
- Nets fire Lawrence Frank 6:17 p.m.
- Young rallies Titans again 6:16 p.m.
- Favre leads Vikings past Bears 6:14 p.m.
- Groh dismissed at Virginia 6:07 p.m.
- High school volleyball: All-region 5:45 p.m.
- High school girls soccer: All-region 5:40 p.m.
- Jazz Extra: 5 things the Jazz hate 5:34 p.m.
- Chargers win sixth straight 5:24 p.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU is champion of the state
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- Credit Coug defense for win
- Field goals, penalties doomed Utes
- Cougar defense rose to occasion
- Marriage definitions vary widely
- Banged up Jazz get best of Blazers
- Jones' joy for life remembered
- Hall comes up big when it counts
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
741 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
468 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - BYU is champion of the state
127 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
117 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
115 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
79 - Y. focused on 10-win season
74
There are 14 BYU players from Salt Lake Valley. And there are four Utah...
Don't mormons believe in the alternate Jesus anyway.
typical of those accussed of misbehaving
Just to let you all know, HIS name is Daniel and he is from Clinton...
What I don't understand is how people who oppose gay marriage are in any way...
Its clear Mr. Hall hates the Utes, but do you think he would be willing to...
This is the trouble with the BYU - Uof U rivialry. It has gotten completely...
Even though the Cavs were wearing white jerseys during the game against the...
I am a avid Utah fan but cheer for BYU every week they are not playing the U....
Excellent team play and guts! Congrats RSL!!!!
The reason there is no ethics reform is because the foxes are watching the...




You can be the first to comment on this story.