Heat vs. Knicks Video: Watch Tyson Chandler's Hard Flagrant Foul on LeBron James

The New York Knicks tried everything in an effort to contain LeBron James in the first half. Tyson Chandler even committed a flagrant foul on the Miami Heat star, but James still had 23 points in a virtuoso first half performance.

Chandler has always received his share of technicals. Though this foul was that bad, he has begun to take on a goonish role.

As James was defending Iman Shumpert, Chandler placed two elbows in James' back. The blow crumpled the probable MVP to the floor, and he immediately reached for the back of his neck.

The play was certainly designed to send a message, but to James' credit, he didn't allow it to slow him down.

He promptly completed a three-point play opportunity on a beautiful fade away jump shot. Then he nailed a step back jump shot, followed by a strong drive to the hoop and finish.

James is playing at a level above everyone else on the floor.

This is the LeBron that the Heat need to win a championship. I fully expect the Knicks to continue to employ these types of tactics—quite honestly because they have no other course of action.

Chandler deserved the flagrant foul and he must be careful not to earn himself a suspension. He already has 11 technical fouls this season.

The Knicks can ill-afford to lose him for any time during this series. They probably won't win the series either way, but they need Chandler to make it competitive.

It's the truth, drink it straight.

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