The referee truly showed his professionalism, quickly calling for the team doctors.
Soon, the Heat staff prepared a stretcher, and the Lakers staff prepared ice packs, all of which were available in the locker rooms.
The Heat weren't strangers to foul play. Moning's fouls, though not as famous as Malone's, were never less ruthless.
Under Pat Riley's guidance, Kurt Thomas's innate affinity for violence quickly emerged. Despite being a rookie who had played less than half a season, his level of dirty play was already the worst in the Heat.
So, although sudden, it was not surprising that Kurt Thomas would act that way.
Pat Riley never taught a player to commit fouls, nor instructed them to do so, but if a player wanted to, he wouldn't reject it. In fact, if it were a player from a rival team, he'd even keep those who'd stir up trouble on the court.
