Knicks' Robin Lopez ejected after hitting Chris Paul

New York Knicks center Robin Lopez was ejected during the third quarter of Friday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Lopez briefly lost his cool after Chris Paul hit him with a forearm during a battle for a rebound. The 7-footer appeared to retaliate by slapping the Clippers point guard twice in the face, picking up multiple technical fouls as a scuffle ensued.

DeAndre Jordan and Paul Pierce also picked up techs for their role in the tussle.

A poor night from the field (3-of-11), Paul's knack for chippy play, and the Knicks' double-digit deficit could have all factored into Lopez's tantrum.

The loss of Lopez will be difficult to overcome for New York, which lacks depth in its frontcourt.

The Stanford alumnus has been solid in his first season in the Big Apple, averaging 8.9 points and 6.0 rebounds and shooting 52.7 percent from the floor.