Utah Jazz: Price stitches together key contributions
"Emotions are going. Things happen. It was just a reaction," said Price, who took four stitches to his right eyebrow and came back to make what teammate Carlos Boozer called the play of the game in the fourth quarter of Utah's overtime 123-115 win over Los Angeles to tie the series at two games apiece at EnergySolutions Arena.
"I stopped myself because I realized maybe it was just an accident," said Price. "I'm pretty sure it was.
"Just the playoffs, that's all I can say," he added. "It happens. Me and Ronny are good friends. We came out pretty much the same year. He probably didn't mean to foul me like that, but you know, your emotions run and things happen."
Turiaf received a flagrant 2 foul and ejection and could be subject to further NBA discipline for the play at 10:07 of the second quarter.
Turiaf was quickly ejected.
"In no way, shape or form was I trying to hurt anybody," said Turiaf, who played his college ball at former Jazz guard John Stockton's alma mater, Gonzaga in Spokane.
"In no way, shape or form was I trying to do anything dirty.
"I tried to go for the blocked shot. Our bodies kind of collided, and he fell to the floor."
Turiaf added, "Everybody is questioning my character."
Said Price, "I don't look at him as a bad guy at all, and I don't think that people should throw that kind of reputation on him.
"I'm over it, and I hope that whatever happens with him is not too critical, but I can't be the judge of that. The league has to be the judge of that."
Laker coach Phil Jackson said the call was not right. "Absolutely not. I thought the kid (Price) was out of control when he went in. Ronny did go up to block the shot, but I think he entirely played the ball. I was very surprised (Turiaf) was put out of the ballgame."
Said Harpring, who plays tough basketball himself, "I thought they had the right call. It was after the (Vujacic foul) call was already made. I thought the refs made the right call."
Jazzman Ronnie Brewer said it was a hard foul, but he didn't think Turiaf had intent to injure. "It's part of basketball that you're not supposed to give up an easy layup. But at the same time, the whistle blew, and there was a lot of force put on it."
Recent comments
Ronnie's hustle and block against Walton was one of those "...
Amazing happens | May 13, 2008 at 12:22 p.m.
Boozer's too soft. ronnie price needs to have a harder head so...
Jk blubber | May 12, 2008 at 2:16 p.m.
I wouldn't be surprised if Turiaf doesn't get any suspension...
Jakarta Jazz | May 12, 2008 at 1:21 p.m.
