Kobe Bryant thinks the NBA needs to protect his shooters. Dahntay Jones doesn't think there was anything to protect.
You tell us (by voting in the poll to the right): Was the Los Angeles Lakers star fouled in the act of shooting against the Atlanta Hawks during Wednesday's 96-92 Atlanta home win?
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The play that led to Bryant's severely sprained ankle, which has him out indefinitely, has divided opinions, but let's hear from the two men involved:
#dangerousplay that should have been called. Period.— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 14, 2013
Bryant then added, while talking to news reporters:
"First and foremost, the officials really need to protect shooters," Bryant said. "You just can't go into shooters. That's a dangerous play.
"I'll just do what I have to do," he continued. "I can't get my mind past the fact that I have to wait a year to get revenge. t's just a very, very dangerous play."
Jones launched his defense on Twitter:
Tape doesn't lie. Ankle was turned on the floor after the leg kick out that knocked him off balance. I would never try to hurt the man— Dahntay (@dahntay1) March 14, 2013
Leg kick that makes contact with a defensive player is an offense foul. Period. The nba changed that rule 2 yrs ago. Stop it!— Dahntay (@dahntay1) March 14, 2013
I have the utmost respect for @kobebryant I would never try to intentionally hurt him. Just wanted to contest the fadeaway #thatsall— Dahntay (@dahntay1) March 14, 2013
But basketball Twitter personality Nate Jones points out Jones has a past with Bryant. Here's video of him tripping Bryant in the 2009 Western Conference finals while playing for the Denver Nuggets: