According to Ime Udoka, Jabari Smith Jr. And Chris Dunn had a dispute to resolve since January 20, and last night, they came to blows! As the Rockets marched on the Jazz, the two clashed during a stoppage in play, with the start of a fight. They jostle, they grab each other's shirts, and suddenly fists are flying. Without reaching their targets.
Result, a start of general scrum to separate them, and two expulsions, after only five seconds played in the 2nd quarter. “We exchanged a few words, then a few blows, and as you saw, we were expelled” summed up the Jazz leader. “Personally, I take full responsibility for my actions, and whatever the league's decision, I will respect it. »
An upcoming suspension?
For his part, Smith did not appear before the press, and it was therefore his coach who commented on the incident. “I think it had a bit to do with the last game… The last time we played them, they were hanging on. Dunn caught him first, and then they got excited and threw a few punches. In the end there was nothing, but as soon as you throw a punch you risk being kicked out.”
This is indeed what the regulations stipulate, and it also specifies, moreover, that each attempt to throw a punch is synonymous with expulsion and a match suspension. It would be a big blow for Jabari Smith Jr, who has yet to miss a single game in the NBA, and whose role grew after Alperen Sengun's injury.
