Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals delivered one of the most memorable endings in playoff history as Deandre Ayton tipped in a lob in the final second to give the Phoenix Suns a 2-0 advantage over the Los Angeles Clippers. In the wake of the exciting conclusion, a scrum broke out between the benches, leading to postgame disciplinary action from the league.
The NBA has retroactively assessed DeMarcus Cousins with a technical foul after a video review near the end of the game on Wednesday night. The punishment comes after the Clippers big man shoved Suns star Devin Booker while walking back to his team’s bench.
In a replay of the incident, Cousins seems to be walking towards mid-court after the made basket. However, he first stopped to exchange words with Suns guard Cameron Payne before Booker quickly came over the intervene. Cousins clearly didn’t like what he heard as he shoved the young Phoenix star with two hands before returning to the Clippers bench.
Here’s another look at the incident:
DeMarcus Cousins (LAC) has been assessed a postgame technical foul upon league review for actions at the conclusion of the game on 6/22/21. pic.twitter.com/VrS2MU8ZS3
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) June 23, 2021
Having this technical foul assessed after the conclusion of Tuesday’s game makes sense, given the madness that was ensuing inside the Phoenix Suns Arena. According to StatMuse, the last 90 seconds of in-game action took 33 real time minutes, because of various video reviews and the crazy finish.
Cousins was only on the floor for the final two plays of the game to guard the inbounds pass from the Suns. He was ultimately unsuccessful as Jae Crowder delivered a dime to Ayton who merely tapped the ball in for the game-winning bucket.
The Clippers will now return home to Staples Center facing a two-game deficit. The franchise has battled back from that same margin twice already this postseason, so will need to summon that energy once again if they hope to make the NBA Finals.
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