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Phoenix Suns: Defending Hornacek’s Technical Foul Policy

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 26, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Needing a win against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, the Phoenix Suns were tied 57-57 when Markieff Morris received a technical foul 1:48 into the second half.

As soon as head coach Jeff Hornacek was able to take him out of the game, the Suns held a 60-58 lead. From there, they were outscored 62-40 en route to a 20-point blowout at home. Who is to blame for the meltdown?

Contrary to popular belief on Twitter after the game, it’s not Hornacek.

Hornacek’s rule about benching players who receive technical fouls for arguing with referees has been labeled as a dramatic overreaction to the results of one game, but the truth is, dumb technicals have been an issue for the last year and a half.

Here’s a look at why criticism for this controversial rule is the wrong way to approach this conversation.

Next: Being Competitive vs. Being Smart

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