The man they call King called Jason Collins’ flagrant foul type 1 on him “borderline dirty” after tonight’s game, a 107-85 Wolves’ loss.

Collins tried to keep James from getting off a shot on a drive down the lane in the third quarter and laid James out flat with an arm and shoulder that hit James high after he split through two other defenders.

“That’s not part of the game, but hard fouls are part of the game,” James said. “I thought it was a little overboard. That was one of the better ones I’ve felt before. I tried to explain to (the officials) that play right there. You can ref how big I am and being able to take that blow. If it was Mo (Williams) or Delonte (West) or Daniel (Gibson) and they take that blow, do they get up and finish the game. Maybe not?”

James said Collins’ foul had “nothing to do with a basketball play” because he didn’t make a play for the ball or get in position to draw a charge.

Collins agreed on both those points, but not James’ charge of intent.

“When you see LeBron James going to the basket, you have three options,” Collins said. “No. 1. Wrap him up. No. 2. Try to take the charge. No. 3. Try to block his shot, and a lot of players fail trying to do that one. I chose option 1.”

James and Collins have some history: They play each other in two playoffs series when Collins played for New Jersey.

“I’m just doing my job,” Collins said.  “That’s how I always play. My job is not to give up layups or dunks to LeBron James.”

Kevin McHale said he didn’t see the foul, but said whether a call is determined to be flagrant or not often depends on “if you can sell the foul…Most flagrant fouls, the fall determines whether or not. It looked like he crumbled pretty hard.”
That might be that because who knows if Collins will be in the league next year.

“I don’t have words for him,” James said. “We don’t play them again. It’s over and done with, I don’t have any hard feelings for him. It may continue, but I’m going to continue to get up. I’m going to continue to go to the hole. I’m going to continue to do what I do. But maybe the refs need to take a look at it just a little differently.”

Oh, btw, James had 18 of his 25 in the first quarter and by then, the Cavs already led 27-18. James led the Cavs in points, rebounds (12) and assists (7).

Good night from Cleveland, everybody!

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