HOUSTON – Tempers flared during the second quarter of the NBA clash on March 12, 2025, between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, resulting in the ejection of players Steven Adams and Mason Plumlee after what can only be described as a wrestling match on the court.
The drama began with just over three minutes left before halftime, following a midrange shot executed by Rockets guard Jalen Green. Steven Adams, attempting to get back on defense, ran squarely onto Mason Plumlee. What initially seemed like incidental contact quickly escalated as tensions rose.
Witnesses recall Adams lifting Plumlee from his feet, with both players wrestling aggressively on the hardwood floor. According to various reports, the referees decided to intervene after seeing the players getting physical, leading to each team being assessed technical fouls. It was shortly thereafter they announced the ejection of both Adams and Plumlee from the game. At the time of their ejection, the Rockets held onto a slight lead, 57-52, heading to halftime.
Commentary on the incident has varied, with some fans online criticizing the officials' decision as "soft," sparking debates about the current state of NBA officiation. Most spectators agree, though, the unexpected scuffle added excitement to the game. “You rarely see this kind of action in the Association anymore. Give the paying fans some action!” expressed Alejandro Avila, a reporter at OutKick, highlighting the rarity of such pyrotechnics on the court.
The aftermath of the incident revealed injuries, with Plumlee being treated for a cut above his right eye, whereas Adams left Plumlee with what appeared to be blood on his forehead. After landing on top of Adams during the scuffle, Plumlee seemed to head to the bench for attention.
The Rockets and the Suns continued the game without their star big men, leading to Houston securing a victory with a final score of 111-104. This match was not only pivotal for the Rockets’ standings but also marked the importance of maintaining composure as the NBA season closes its final stretch.
Attention now turns to whether Adams and Plumlee will face any supplemental discipline from the league following their ejection. Both teams are back to action soon, with the Rockets slated to compete against the Dallas Mavericks on March 14 and the Suns hosting the Sacramento Kings shortly thereafter.
Social media erupted following the incident, with many fans reliving the moment and drawing comparisons to the physical NBA games of past decades. An interesting twist emerged as some recalled Adams previously saving Plumlee from a nasty fall during his time with the LA Clippers. The irony has not gone unnoticed by fans, who observed how quickly camaraderie can turn to conflict on the court.
Overall, this incident not only served the excited basketball fans eager for action but also brought to light issues surrounding player behavior and officiation within the league. With the playoff race heating up, maintaining player discipline remains key to each team's success as the season draws closer to its conclusion.