Tensions flared late in Wednesday’s Game 5 first-round playoff clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. After a forgettable evening for Golden State, Warriors reserve guard Pat Spencer seemingly took out his frustration on Houston Rockets wing Dillon Brooks, which started a multi-player altercation.
Up 3-1 in its best-of-seven series with a chance to close out Houston on the road, the Golden State Warriors came out flat. It fell behind by as many as 31 points in the third quarter, with Warriors coach Steve Kerr pulling his starters midway through the frame.
The move allowed Spencer and his fellow reserves to get extended playing time, during which they cut their deficit as low as 13 points. Their fourth-quarter run prompted Rockets coach Ime Udoka to put his starters back in with just under eight minutes remaining, setting the stage for a late-game scuffle.
Pat Spencer Headbutts Alperen Şengün After Shoving Dillon Brooks Late in Game 5
With the Houston Rockets leading 114-101 with 4:14 to go, the Golden State Warriors forward Braxton Key botched an uncontested layup, with Brooks securing the rebound. Spencer then fouled Brooks and shoved him out of bounds on the baseline.
Rockets star center Alperen Şengün stepped in to defend his teammate and bumped Spencer, igniting a face-to-face confrontation. Spencer headbutted the first-time All-Star before the Golden State Warriors’ big man, Trayce Jackson-Davis, pushed him away.
The play resulted in Spencer receiving a technical foul and ejection. One the other hand, Şengün and Jackson-Davis picked up double technical fouls.
Spencer, who served as a sparkplug, finished with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal, shooting 5-for-7 (71.4%). Following his exit, the Golden State Warriors went on to fall 131-116, with the Houston Rockets cutting their series deficit down to 3-2.
Draymond Green Seemingly Entertained by Warriors’ Late-Game Dust-Up
During Spencer and Jackson-Davis’ tussle with Şengün, Golden State Warriors’s veteran forward Draymond Green, known for his on-court outbursts, was left onlooking from the sideline. During the ensuing review, Green could be seen laughing and applauding as he watched the replay.
One fan on X quipped that the four-time NBA champion looked like a “proud dad” as he watched the Golden State Warriors’ youngsters stand their ground.
The Round 1 series continues to intensify ahead of Friday’s Game 6 showdown at Chase Center. The Golden State Warriors will look to bounce back in front of their home fans and avoid a Game 7 matchup with the Houston Rockets on their home court.
