PJ Tucker and Dennis Schroder ejected from Thunder-Rockets Game 5 (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Game 5 has taken a turn for the ugly with the Dennis Schroder and PJ Tucker ejections
With the Houston Rockets making a swift third quarter un to go up double-digits, frustrations boiled over between the two teams, as Dennis Schroder and PJ Tucker were thrown out of the game. Schroder appeared to kick Tucker in the groin region, and the Rockets forward responded with a head-butt motion. After reviewing the events, officials deemed both players should be tossed to avoid further conflict.
As vital as Tucker has been to the Rockets development defensively, Schroder is the more important player to this juncture in Game 5, as he was the Thunder’s leading scorer at the time of his ejection.
Both Schroder and Tucker’s actions were ejection-worthy
Schroder was given a flagrant two for his punch to the groin. Tucker responded angrily, which is understandable given the impact of Schroder’s fist. However, he went over the line when he made contact with Schroder’s forehead.
In such a close series, it’d be surprising if this conflict carries over to Game 6, especially with one of these teams with their backs against the wall. With Russell Westbrook inserted in the series, Houston is favored moving forward, especially if he can find his rhythm come Game 6.