Reserve guard Dennis Schroder of the Oklahoma City Thunder and starting forward P.J. Tucker of the Houston Rockets were ejected from Saturday’s Game 5 following an altercation late in the third quarter.
Schroder made below-the-belt contact with Tucker when trying to get past a screen, and an enraged Tucker responded with harsh words and a headbutt that connected with the back of Schroder’s head.
Following an extended review, both players were ejected. The Rockets were already frustrated by a below-the-belt shot from the Thunder back in Game 3 — that time, from Chris Paul to Ben McLemore.
It remains to be seen if the NBA might issue further discipline for either player before Monday’s Game 6. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was suspended one regular-season game for a headbutt earlier this month, though that one connected with the face of Washington’s Mo Wagner.
Schroder with the direct shot to Tucker’s groinpic.twitter.com/bg45jvJ9sY
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) August 30, 2020
Entering Saturday’s Game 5, Schroder had averaged 19.5 points and 4.3 assists in 33.5 minutes per game for the Thunder. Meanwhile, Tucker averaged 10.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in 36.5 minutes per game for Houston, which values Tucker as a key defender and veteran leader.
Houston won Game 5 in a 114-80 blowout (box score), giving them a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. By margin, it was the biggest playoff win in franchise history. The Rockets will have an opportunity in Monday’s Game 6 to clinch the series and advance to the second round.
