Posted by BlueSeats:
Having seen the clip now, this is what I think.
West had his finger out and Dirk walked right up to his face - he was not intimidated by West. West's two taps to the cheek took all of 1 second and 2 refs immediately came between them. There really wasn't time for Dirk to react, without mauling a ref. Had the refs not jumped in we don't know where it would have gone.
I think, in this instance, Dirk's passiveness is being overstated.
I totally agree Blue. I think Dirk's non-reaction is fine. The NBA suspends players for just about anything these days, there's no reason to risk getting suspended now. The best way for Dirk to react is to put up 40 the next game, all right in West's face.
By the way, I like the tactic by West, reminds me of the old Knicks. Sure it's a little dirty, but you know what, this is the playoffs and you do whatever you can to win.