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The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame some drama in their 132-111 win over the Washington Wizards. Considering both teams are on opposite sides of the NBA highway and play just twice a year, it was a little surprising to see some beef boil.
Before the first half ended, Jaylin Williams and Justin Champagnie got into it. A mundane inbounds pass turned viral as both got in each other's grill. Ajay Mitchell eventually joined in as circles formed from both sides.
Champagnie further antagonized things when he put his hands on Mitchell's face. To make things worse, Anthony Gill jammed right into the 23-year-old from behind. He flew into several chairs. After both teams were separated to end a few heated seconds, the referees took about a dozen minutes to figure things out.
In the end, four players were ejected — three from the Thunder and one from the Wizards. Williams and Champagnie received double technical fouls. Both were kicked out. Mitchell and Cason Wallace joined them. They both were hit with one technical foul.
Afterward, Crew Chief John Goble explained their decisions in a Pool Report. Here's what he had to say as the Thunder eventually pulled away late from the Wizards despite being without three rotation players:
Why Champagnie and Williams had double technical fouls
Goble: "Initially, Champagnie and Williams were assessed technical fouls for pushing each other during the dead ball. Champagnie was then assessed a second technical foul for making contact to Mitchell’s face. During review, a second technical foul was assessed to Williams for his actions during the scrum."
Why Mitchell and Wallace were ejected
Goble: "They were ejected for not acting as peacemakers and escalating the altercation."
Why Gill didn't get a technical foul
Goble: "It was observed that Wallace pushed Gill into the altercation and after falling to the floor, it was not observed that Gill did anything in an unsportsmanlike manner to assess a penalty."
The altercation
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA referee explains ejections in Thunder-Wizards altercation
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