The ongoing rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers intensified during a recent NBA Cup game. The clash, marked by physical play, resulted in the ejection of Clippers starter Kris Dunn.
Lakers vs Clippers NBA Cup Clash: Starter Ejected Late
In a dramatic turn of events, Kris Dunn, the shooting guard for the Clippers, was ejected late in the game. This incident occurred when he pushed Lakers superstar Luka Doncic into 21-time All-NBA power forward LeBron James, sparking a brief confrontation.
Details of the Ejection
Following the altercation, Dunn was shoved by Clippers center Jaxson Hayes. In retaliation, Dunn swung at Hayes, inadvertently causing a further escalation of tensions. Two technical fouls were assessed against Dunn, leading to his ejection from the game, while Hayes received one technical foul but remained on the court.
Pre-Game Remarks and Stakes
- Jaxson Hayes talked about the financial incentives of the game ahead of its start.
- He humorously referred to a potential win as “free money,” highlighting the $500,000 prize for winning the NBA Cup.
- The Clippers were aiming for an NBA Cup West Group B victory, which would net them $53,000 if they won that particular game.
As the game progressed, the Lakers seized control, leading by 14 points with only 1:52 remaining in regulation. Their offensive strategy showcased dominance in fastbreak points (20-8) and points in the paint (58-48). Luka Doncic had an impressive performance, scoring 32 points by halftime. However, Dunn, before his ejection, managed to score 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, along with three assists and a steal.
This contest not only underscored the rivalry between the teams but also the stakes involved for both squads. The Lakers were on the verge of clinching their spot in the NBA Cup West Group B, adding an extra layer of excitement to the matchup.
This rivalry continues to be a key highlight of the NBA season and will likely have fans eager for future encounters.
