Rockets’ Howard won’t be suspended for Game 5 vs Warriors

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard will not be suspended for Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors after the NBA decided to uphold his flagrant 1 foul. NBA President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said in a statement Tuesday night that Howard was trying to free himself from Andrew Bogut when Howard ''recklessly hit him in the face with an open hand.'' Thorn said the contact was deemed unnecessary by game officials, who were aided by replay review, and the league doesn't ''see a reason to modify that call.'' Howard received a flagrant 1 foul early in the third quarter after throwing his left elbow at Bogut's head - connecting with the back of his hand - after the Warriors center made contact with him.