The NBA responded to Sunday's on-court skirmish between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets.
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The league announced that Rockets guard Amen Thompson has been suspended two games without pay and Heat guard Terry Rozier has been suspended one game without pay for their involvement in an "on-court altercation." The NBA also fined Jalen Green $35K and Tyler Herro $25K for their part in the back-and-forth, as well as $50K from Houston head coach Ime Udoka for verbal abuse of a game official and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/LM3YA6ntXW
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 28, 2024
Tyler Herro Taunts Thompson, Rockets After On-court Tussle
The altercation happened in the dying embers of Sunday night's matchup, but emotions were running high throughout the whole second half. Miami had come from 12 points down to regain the lead with the help of Houston missing 11 straight shots in the fourth quarter. Herro keyed the comeback, leading all scorers and adding nine assists and six rebounds.
With 35.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro became entangled as Miami attempted to inbound the ball and hold on to their 99-94 lead. Thompson then grabbed Herro by the jersey and tossed him, provoking both teams to rush the court.
"Guess that's what's happens when someone's scoring, throwing dimes, doing the whole thing," Herro mockingly said after the game. "I'd get mad, too."
Both players were thrown out, along with Rockets guard Jalen Green, coach Ime Udoka and assistant coach Ben Sullivan. Terry Rozier was also ejected for Miami.
Houston's Fred VanVleet had been ejected just before the fight after referee Mark Davis said VanVleet made contact with him while arguing a five-second violation call.
The Rockets can appeal if they choose to do so, but it's not likely to succeed before their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
