Houston Rockets center Steven Adams and Phoenix Suns forward Mason Plumlee were ejected from Wednesday’s game after getting into a physical altercation. The incident occurred in the second quarter, where Adams and Plumlee clashed while fighting for a rebound. Adams wrestled Plumlee to the court, causing him to fall on top of the bigger man.
Plumlee, who suffered a cut above his right eye, said he didn’t know why it happened but described the play as “nothing major.” The incident was reviewed, and both players were given double technicals, leading to their ejection from the game.
Houston coach Ime Udoka expressed surprise at the decision, saying the players “just got tangled up” and got into a brief wrestling match. Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer also agreed that the players were both physical but didn’t think it warranted an ejection.
However, some teammates defended Plumlee’s actions, with star Devin Booker saying he thought Adams tried to pick him up and slam him, which might have justified Plumlee’s response. Crew chief Tony Brothers explained the decision, stating that the players’ “aggressive actions” were considered a fight, leading to their ejections.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/suns-rockets-fight-plumlee-adams-3a9eefac2eb6f7aab83757b39a4831e4