NBA playoff games are known for high energy, strong emotions, and intense competition. Players give everything they have because every game matters. But sometimes, the pressure becomes too much, and players lose control. In a few cases, this has led to shocking ejections that surprised fans, coaches, and even other players. These ejections often changed the outcome of games and even entire playoff series.
Fights caused some, while others happened because of bad behavior or disagreements with referees. Each one became a moment that people still talk about years later. These events remind everyone that even the best players can make mistakes when emotions run high during important games.
Draymond Green’s Stomp On Domantas Sabonis (2023)
In the 2023 playoffs, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors was ejected from a game against the Sacramento Kings. After falling to the floor, Green stepped on Kings player Domantas Sabonis’s chest. The referees called it a flagrant foul, which led to Green’s ejection from the game. This incident added to Green’s reputation for making controversial plays during games.
Stephen Curry Throws A Mouthpiece In The NBA Finals (2016)
In Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was frustrated after committing a foul and being fouled out in the fourth quarter. In his frustration, Curry threw his mouthpiece into the stands and hit a fan. The referees gave him a technical foul and ejected him from the game. This was the first time Curry was ejected in his career.
Kristaps Porzingis Ejected For Defending Teammate (2020)
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During a 2020 playoff game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers, Kristaps Porzingis was ejected in the third quarter. He received a second technical foul after stepping in to support his teammate Luka Dončić during a short argument. Many fans thought this ejection was unfair and felt that Porzingis was just trying to protect his teammate.
Rudy Tomjanovich’s Ejection For A Violent Altercation (1977)
In a 1977 playoff game, Rudy Tomjanovich of the Houston Rockets was ejected after a violent altercation with the Los Angeles Lakers. During the game, Lakers player Kermit Washington threw a punch that hit Tomjanovich in the face, causing a serious injury. The punch was so shocking that it led to a fight between the players. Tomjanovich was ejected, and the game became infamous for the dangerous incident.
Charles Barkley’s Ejection For Fighting (1991)
In a 1991 playoff game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley was ejected after a fight with Nets player Chris Morris. The two players got into a physical altercation, and after a review, the referees gave Barkley a technical foul and ejected him from the game. Barkley’s fiery personality and competitive nature often led to these types of situations, but this ejection was one of the most memorable of his career.
