Incident at FleetCenter 3/7

[ChuckElias]

Did anybody see the Clippers @ Celtics game Friday night? Between the 3rd and 4th quarters, an unknown substance was released into the air directly behind the Celtics bench. The Celtics players and staff reported trouble breathing and watering eyes. The game was delayed for about 10 minutes while the substance dissipated and then the game was resumed.

Although no official announcement was made, the speculation now is that someone left a cannister of mace as a prank. Has anyone heard any more about this incident?

As far as game management and officiating go. . . does the NBA have any policy on this type of interruption? If not, is there any scuttlebutt about what they might or might not do in future cases?

Hue Hollins was the crew chief and, I thought, handled the situation as well as could be hoped under the circumstances. SportsCenter had audio of the conversation between Hollins, Jim O'Brien and Dennis Johnson. O'Brien wanted the game suspended. Hollins politely but firmly said they'd continue to play and basically was taking the responsibility on his own shoulders. Johnson was concerned that his players would be affected by the mace when they were on the Celtics end of the floor. Hollins told him basically, "We're gonna play. If the situation doesn't improve, we'll go to Plan B". Johnson understandably asked, "What's Plan B?". Hollins told him something like, "Go back to Plan A". They both laughed.

I thought Hollins showed a great deal of composure in a very nerve-wracking situation.

Chuck