Mavericks Guard Terry Is Suspended for Game 6

The Dallas Mavericks-San Antonio Spurs series took another wild turn Thursday, with Dallas guard Jason Terry getting suspended for Game 6 for punching former teammate Michael Finley while chasing a loose ball in the closing seconds of Game 5 at San Antonio.

Terry and Finley jostled with 3.4 seconds left in San Antonio’s 98-97 victory on Wednesday night. Terry wound up on his back, grasping the ball, with Spurs forward Manu Ginobili forcing a jump ball by getting a hand on it too.

While officials were sorting things out, Finley was visibly angry and had to be restrained by teammates. He appeared to be making a fist and telling them that someone had punched him.

Nothing was called at the time and neither team mentioned the incident during postgame interviews, but NBA Vice President Stu Jackson said “clearly, something happened,” so it was reviewed on Thursday.

Jackson said broadcast footage doesn’t show the punch, but it was obvious when viewed from other angles. He also interviewed both players before handing down his ruling.

“There was no option here,” Jackson said. “The rule is very clear cut. If you throw a punch, whether it connects or not, that will get you an automatic one-game suspension.”

The Mavericks lead the best-of-seven series, 3-2. They have another chance to advance to the Western Conference finals in Game 6 at home tonight.

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Suspensions in 2006 NBA playoffs

* Ron Artest (April 24) -- Sacramento forward was suspended from Game 2 against San Antonio for an elbow to Manu Ginobili’s head in Game 1 in the first round.

* Udonis Haslem (April 24) -- Miami forward was suspended from Game 2 against Chicago for throwing his mouthpiece at an official in Game 1 of the first round.

* James Posey (April 28) -- Miami forward was suspended from Game 4 against Chicago for knocking down Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich on a fastbreak in Game 3 of the first round.

* Raja Bell (May 3) -- Phoenix guard was suspended from Game 6 against the Lakers for throwing Kobe Bryant to the floor in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the first round.

* Jason Terry (May 18) -- Dallas guard was suspended from Game 6 against San Antonio for throwing a punch at Michael Finley while going for a loose ball in the closing seconds of Game 5 of the West semifinals.

* Clifford Robinson (May 12) -- New Jersey forward was suspended without pay for five games for violating the anti-drug policy. Robinson missed the last three games of the Miami series.