Amen Thompson, Terry Rozier Suspended By NBA After Fight During Heat Win vs. Rockets
December 31, 2024
The NBA has decided the punishments for players and coaches involved in a scuffle during the Miami Heat's matchup against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
Amen Thompson, who sparked the altercation by tossing Tyler Herro to the ground, has been suspended for two games, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The league suspended Terry Rozier, who was ejected from the game, for one game. Jalen Green picked up a $35,000 fine while Herro got a $25,000 fine.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka was fined $50,000.
The fight occurred in the final moments of Sunday's game as the Heat led 99-94. Thompson, Herro, Rozier, Green, Udoka and Rockets assistant coach Ben Sullivan were all ejected after the scuffle.
After the contest, Herro explained his side of the story, giving a confident answer when asked what led to tension between him and Thompson.
"Just two competitors going at it, playing basketball," Herro said. "...Just a physical game. Guess that's what happens when someone's scoring, throwing dimes, doing the whole thing. I'd get mad too."
Herro had a big game against the Rockets, posting a game-high 27 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the 104-100 win. The sixth-year player has emerged as Miami's No. 1 option this season, putting up 24 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.
Thompson had a frustrating day against Miami, posting just five points, five rebounds, and five assists. The second-year player is averaging 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this year. As a result of the suspension, he'll have to miss two pivotal games against the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics.
Rozier, who is putting up 12 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, will miss a less critical game as he'll be sidelined for the Heat's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.