Compare Artest's conduct in light of his past behavior and what 99% of NBA players would do when things get heated. They'd be restrained and go back to their bench. Laying on the scorer's table is egging on the Detroit players and fans. This does not excuse throwing anything at him, lest I be tarred and feathered as some sort of apologist.
So he deserved to have stuff thrown at him? Gimme a break. And what about the Pacers who were showered with food and beer when they were just trying to get back to the locker room alive? Were they "egging on" the fans as well?