"It's my damn job" - Stephen A. Smith defends calling the league office to ask why Russell Westbrook wasn't suspended after Game 3

Stephen A. Smith caught flak recently for calling the league office to ask why Russell Westbrook wasn't penalized with a suspension for his "inexcusable behavior" during the Los Angeles Clippers' Game 3 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The analyst believes it was "appalling" to watch what he thought were dirty plays.

As it turned out, he got an explanation but decided to air his grievances publicly. Some folks weren't thrilled that Smith went to the principal's office and called him out on it. Of course, in true Stephen A. fashion, he defended himself from the scrutiny, saying that it’s part of his job to investigate and report what's going on in the Association.

Westbrook's questionable plays

It's the playoffs, and that means some players get extra physical with each other, and referees try to allow extra-curricular activities on the court as much as possible. However, Westbrook may have crossed a line in Game 3 after committing hard fouls on Josh Green and Luka Doncic.

The former MVP also instigated an altercation after wrapping Doncic up, which Smith claims could have injured the Mavs superstar's shoulder. Brodie then shoved Luka and PJ Washington and brushed off a referee attempting to pacify him.

Westbrook and Washington were ejected for their roles in the squabble, which is probably why the league office didn't bother punishing the point guard further, much to Smith's chagrin.

Westbrook is making a difference

The Clippers were fortunate not to have lost Russ to a suspension, especially because they were a bit undermanned for their Game 4 tiff on Sunday. Without Kawhi Leonard, the team played eight players.

James Harden and Paul George played hero ball, recording 33 points apiece and serving up clutch plays to help LA hold on for the 116-111 victory after blowing a 31-point lead. Westbrook didn't appear to do much based on the stat sheet, putting up five points, three rebounds, and one assist. On a positive note, he finished the evening with a plus-7, which was second-highest among all Clippers players.

The series now shifts back to California tied 2-2. So, fans should probably expect even more physicality from both the Clips and Mavs, especially since teams that win Game 5 to go up 3-2 have advanced to the next round around 80% of the time.

Hopefully, no one gets hurt. Otherwise, we might hear another impassioned diatribe from Smith again.

Related: "I'm blessed to be able to change it up and be a facilitator or a scorer" - James Harden on his late-game heroics to help the Clippers win Game 4