Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook and Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington were ejected from their teams' Game 3 matchup on Friday night following a heated altercation that erupted in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook and Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington were ejected from Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Friday night following a heated scuffle that broke out in the fourth quarter of the game.
The altercation occurred with just over six minutes remaining in the game, as Westbrook switched to guard Luka Doncic. After the Mavericks gained an offensive rebound, the ball swung back to Doncic, who drove into the lane. Westbrook became entangled with Doncic, and after being called for a foul, Westbrook protested the call.
As Doncic tried to argue with Westbrook, the veteran NBA player responded with a forearm shove. Washington then got involved, pushing Westbrook, who retaliated with a shove of his own. Both players had to be separated and were ejected from the game.
Westbrook was called for a Flagrant 1 foul for excessive contact on Josh Green during a breakaway chance earlier in the game.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue expressed disappointment in his players' behavior. "We've got to channel our aggression in other ways," Lue said. "It's getting chippy. I like the physicality. I like the tough possessions. I like all of that. But we've got to make sure we're not getting the technical fouls, we're not getting thrown out of the game, because everybody's important."
Westbrook finished the game with just one point and three rebounds, while Washington had 10 points before being ejected.
Dallas' Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the way for the Mavericks in Game 3. Doncic finished with 22 points on 7-of-25 shooting, while Irving contributed 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting.
The Mavericks' victory gave them a 2-1 lead in the series. Game 4 is set for Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Westbrook's ejection is the latest in a series of incidents involving the former MVP this season. He was previously ejected from a game against the Portland Trail Blazers in December and suspended from a game against the Sacramento Kings in January for kicking a cameraman in the groin.
Washington's ejection is his first of the season.
The Clippers are now facing an uphill battle in the series, as they trail 2-1 and must win Game 4 to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead and put the Clippers on the brink of elimination.
The series has been a physical one from the start, with both teams playing with a high level of intensity. However, the officiating has also been a factor in the series, with both teams receiving numerous technical fouls and flagrant fouls.
It remains to be seen if the ejection of Westbrook and Washington will have a major impact on the series. However, it is clear that the Clippers will need to find a way to control their emotions and play with more discipline if they want to have a chance of advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
