MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ray Allen took no joy after the NBA issued a $10,000 fine to San Antonio's Bruce Bowen after he kicked the Sonics guard in the back on Sunday.
However, it appears Allen may have helped persuade Stu Jackson, the NBA's vice president of basketball operations, into assessing the fine.
"When we landed in Memphis I called Stu and asked him if he saw the game," Allen said after Tuesday's 98-97 victory against Memphis. "He said he watched it that night, and he didn't think much of it.
"He said I'm going to watch it again. I told him I was just sitting there and he kicked me in the back and something more should have been done than him getting a technical foul. Then he started watching it, and he thought I was on his ankle."
When asked about Bowen's penalty, Allen said: "What he got was about right."
Rashard Lewis, however, said he thought Bowen should have been suspended.
"First off, he should have been kicked out of the game," Lewis said. "That's number one. You don't do something like that and not lose some games."
Game at a glance
Star of the game: Even in defeat, Memphis forward Pau Gasol was spectacular as he scored a career-high 44 points, which was the most this season by a Sonics opponent and a Grizzlies franchise record. Gasol connected on 17 of 28 field goals and 10 of 12 free throws.
Play of the game: With Eddie Jones defending, Ray Allen waited until five seconds remained before making a drive toward the basket. He stopped 19 feet short of the rim, elevated and sank a game-winning jump shot that swirled around the rim before dropping in with 0.3 seconds left.
Turning point: Before Allen's game-winner, he drained a controversial three-pointer as the shot clock expired that reduced Seattle's deficit to 97-96 with 41.5 seconds left.
Key statistic: Seven Sonics scored in double figures and no one had more than Allen's 20.
Jackson befriended Allen years ago, and at times the Sonics guard seeks out advice. They talked after Jackson suspended Allen three games for fighting with Orlando's Kenyon Dooling.
"He said you've got to be able to hold your temper," Allen said. "Sometimes it's hard, he said, but you know how much money you make."
Note
• Coach Bob Hill commended Luke Ridnour for his recent four-game stint. Ridnour played one of his poorest games of the season March 21 at Sacramento after publicly complaining about his diminishing role on the team.
Lately, Ridnour has been on a tear and was steady in Tuesday's victory. He finished with 11 points, seven assists and three steals.
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