Heading into the Portland Trailblazers’ early season tilt with the Golden State Warriors, Rip City was riding high, and surging to the top of the Western Conference standings behind a 9 game win streak.
Once the final whistle sounded, the Blazers’ streak had reached an even 10 games, following a hard fought 113-101 victory, but not without some excitement and fireworks during the decisive 3rd quarter.
The NBA has taken great lengths to minimize any and all on court fighting, especially after that infamous Malice at the Palace incident nearly a decade ago.
But every now and then emotions boil over in the heat of battle, tensions erupt, elbows are thrown and benches clear, as was the case when Warriors center Andrew Bogut got into a heated exchange with Blazers big man Joel Freeland, that led to a near full out brawl.
As Bogut and Freeland tangled in the paint, Bogut decided it was a good idea to throw a forearm in the direction of his Blazers counterpart, which in turn prompted Blazers swingman Mo Williams to come to his teammates aid, as insanity erupted.
In the end, 3 players(Wes Mathews, Mo Williams, and Draymond Green) were ejected while Bogut, Freeland, and LaMarcus Aldridge all received technicals.
As for the game, the Blazers rode the rather broad shoulders of Aldridge and his 30 points, 21 rebounds, and 3 blocks to notch their 7th consecutive road victory, and an NBA season best 10th straight win overall.
I think it’s a safe bet both squads will be hearing from the NBA league offices on Monday……….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK7jKi-9VtU
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
