Steve Francis’ refusal to re-enter Wednesday night’s game finally exhausted the Magic’s patience with their slumping point guard, leading the team to suspend him indefinitely Thursday for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
Club sources told the Orlando Sentinel that Francis rebuffed coach Brian Hill’s decision to send him back into the game against the Seattle SuperSonics late in the fourth quarter.
Hill wanted the three-time All-Star to replace Hedo Turkoglu, who had fouled out, with 3 minutes 22 seconds left and the Magic trailing 103-87.
Francis’ act of defiance culminated a mysterious stretch of games in which he complained about the offense, played poorly and looked dispassionate.
Hill, Francis and the player’s agent all declined to discuss the suspension.
Francis is averaging 16.6 points, second on the team, and a team-high 5.4 assists, but his output has been declining and the Magic has lost four of five.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
Detroit 83 at San Antonio 68
In battle of NBA’s best, Rasheed Wallace scored 27 and Pistons held Spurs to season low in pts. Pistons built 20-pt lead in 1st half, saw it dwindle to 48-42, then pulled away with 21-9 run.
Golden State 99 at Phoenix 112
Steve Nash had 20 pts, 16 asts as Suns led from start, won for 8th time in 10 gms. Both losses came in triple OT. Suns 13 of 25 on 3s. Warriors, losers of 4 in row, got 22 from Baron Davis.
Cleveland at 98 L.A. Lakers 99
Kobe Bryant scored 6 of his 27 in final 90 secs, including go-ahead basket with :08.6 left. LeBron James missed 2nd of 2 FTs with :05.2 to play, then missed shot at buzzer. He scored 28.
