Jason Smith suspended 2 games for Blake Griffin takedown

The NBA on Friday announced that New Orleans Hornets forward Jason Smith was suspended two games for his takedown of Blake Griffin.

Smith shouldered Griffin to the floor on a fast break with 4:06 left in the Hornets' Thursday win. Clippers point guard Chris Paul followed Smith into the concourse behind the basket and had words with him as several players jawed at each other.
"It was a terrible foul," Paul told reporters after the game. "I don't know what Jason was thinking. He probably better be ready to sit out a game or two for that one. I'm just glad Blake controlled it."

Smith was assessed a flagrant 2 foul, which carries an automatic ejection, but left the court in New Orleans to a loud ovation.

"I think it looked a lot worse than what it was, but that's still not a play that you ever want to do to another player like that," Smith said. "I apologize to Blake Griffin. I didn't want to hurt him at all. I just wanted to try and cut off his lane to the basket."

Smith, 26, is averaging 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He'll miss New Orleans' Saturday game against the San Antonio Spurs and Monday rematch against the Clippers.

The Hornets rallied for a 97-90 victory over the Clippers on Thursday, spoiling Paul's return to New Orleans. Smith scored 17 points to help the Hornets snap a five-game home losing streak.