Taj Gibson on Game 5 ejection: Referees 'didn't see what everybody else saw'

Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson was ejected early in the fourth quarter of Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers after getting into a physical altercation with Matthew Dellavedova.

Gibson knocked Dellavedova to the ground in a battle for a rebound. While on the ground, Dellavedova locked up Gibson's leg. Gibson then responded by kicking at Dellavedova, which sparked a scuffle.

It was definitely a bit of gamesmanship on Dellavedova's part to provoke a fired-up Gibson. That was no excuse for Gibson's retaliation, and he was subsequently ejected.

After the game, Gibson disagreed with the officials' decision and pleaded innocence on his kick against Dellavedova.

However, the Cavalier saw it differently, with Kendrick Perkins and LeBron James voicing their support for Dellavedova.

Chicago went on a 26-18 run after Gibson went out, but the Cavaliers ultimately managed to hang on for a pivotal 106-101 victory in Game 5.