Utah guard Kris Dunn and Houston forward Jabari Smith Jr. have both been suspended after throwing punches in Houston’s 147-119 win over Utah on March 23.
Dunn, who initiated the altercation and threw a punch, has been suspended for two games without pay, while Smith Jr. is suspended for a single game for engaging in an altercation with Dunn. Both players were ejected from the contest with 11:55 remaining in the second quarter. Even with the loss of Smith Jr., the Rockets never faltered, recording 27 made three-pointers and securing a 28-point victory over the Jazz.
Kris Dunn vs. Jabari Smith Jr. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 24, 2024
pic.twitter.com/ZrwIh3CCNn
When the Jazz play the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, March 25, Dunn will start serving his suspension. That evening, when the Rockets visit the Portland Trail Blazers, Smith Jr. will serve his ban.
The Rockets and Jazz are fighting for the No. 10 spot to receive a bid to participate in the NBA play-in tournament. At the same time, Houston occupies the No. 11 seed and Utah the No. 12. With less than a month left in the regular season, every game played could be the difference between a postseason appearance or an early end to the season, so playing without either player could have detrimental consequences for either team.
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