Popovich exploited the rule because he knew it would work that close to the end of the game. Same thing Riley did in the series against the Knicks however long ago.
The NBA severly crippled the Suns when both players took two steps and then went back without throwing a punch or getting involved. The rule says "bench area" whatever the hell that means. You could easily argue that both the Suns players were in the vicinity of the bench away from action and no outrageous action was taken by them.
And, if you wanna have some fun with it, check out Tim Duncan in the 2nd quarter after that dunk and the two players get tangled up and a spurs player goes to the floor. Timmy boy takes a stroll out past the three point line and just sorta stands there. Gets pulled back by another spur and neery a word is spoken about that.
*shrug*
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"And that's how you play aces."
Yeah, you make kings run in to them.
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