Watch: Dennis Schroder, P.J. Tucker ejected following Game 5 fracas
Houston Rockets small-ball center P.J. Tucker and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder were both ejected from Game 5 following an altercation in the third quarter Saturday.
Schroder appeared to strike Tucker in the groin while fighting through a screen; Tucker responded by approaching Schroder before apparently headbutting the Thunder's sixth man.
PJ Tucker & Dennis Schroder Both Ejected Following Scuffle pic.twitter.com/w191sSqkAb
— Main Team (@MainTeamSports) August 30, 2020
"A screen action at the perimeter occurred as Schroeder attempted to get through the screen, (and he) delivers an unnecessary and excessive act in the groin of Tucker," referee James Capers told ESPN's Royce Young postgame. "Tucker gets up and headbutts Schroder. The action of Schroder is a Flagrant Penalty 2. The action of Tucker is an automatic ejection technical foul."
Houston wants the NBA to look into Schroder's hit on Tucker, as Schroder was suspended one game in November 2013 for a similar incident, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reports.
The Rockets are apparently upset with the league for not investigating Thunder guard Chris Paul after he struck Houston guard Ben McLemore in the groin during Game 3, MacMahon added.
Chris Paul hitting Ben McLemore uh...below the belt pic.twitter.com/rdtXtacaOI
— Ari Alexander (@KPRC2Ari) August 23, 2020
Paul denied any intent following the contest, claiming it was just "incidental" contact. However, the 10-time All-Star has been involved in similar incidents over the course of his NBA and collegiate career.
Houston defeated Oklahoma City 114-80 on Saturday and can close out the first-round series Monday.