League Disallows Sura Feat

The NBA determined Tuesday that Atlanta Hawk guard Bob Sura’s underhanded shot Monday was simply an attempt to grab one more rebound and record his third consecutive triple-double.

The league disallowed Sura’s last-second intentionally botched layup and his ensuing rebound, denying him a 10th rebound to go with 22 points and 11 assists. Sura was trying to become the first player since Detroit’s Grant Hill in 1997 to have 10 or more points, rebounds and assists in three consecutive games.

In a statement, the league said, “The NBA rule book states that a field goal attempt is a player’s attempt to shoot the ball into the basket for a field goal. Sura did not attempt a field goal and, therefore, there was no rebound.”

Sura admitted his only goal was to miss the layup and snare the rebound, jokingly telling reporters after the Hawks’ 129-107 victory over the New Jersey Nets, “The ball slipped out of my hands, so I got it back. All the guys on the team were screaming at me to do it. It was kind of a reaction thing. I just did it.”

Sura’s attempt to bend the rules didn’t match the level of infamy that Cleveland’s Ricky Davis achieved last season, when he shot at the wrong basket to take an extra rebound and record his first triple-double.

The Cavaliers fined Davis last season. It’s uncertain whether the Hawks will do the same to Sura.

Sura issued a statement through a team spokesman Tuesday.

“I’m disappointed that my attempt to turn my third triple-double caused so much controversy,” Sura said. “It was never my intention to make a mockery of our sport and to take any attention away from our huge win over the Nets. If anyone was offended by my actions, I sincerely apologize.”