X

NBA

    David West, Tristan Thompson, JR Smith Get Technicals for Game 5 Altercation

    Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJune 13, 2017

    OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: David West #3 of the Golden State Warriors and Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers get into an altercation after a play in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
    Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

    A shoving match between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors interrupted Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals.

    The altercation began after Kyrie Irving and David West were fighting for a rebound. West yanked the ball away from Irving and extended his left arm to push Irving away. Tristan Thompson then confronted West, while JR Smith shoved West as well.

    David West, Tristan Thompson, JR Smith Get Technicals for Game 5 Altercation
    Video Play Button

    After separating players from both teams and reviewing replays, referees assessed technical fouls to the three players involved.

    The NBA avoided issuing any additional punishment to players following a pair of incidents in Game 4. Kevin Durant and LeBron James earned technical fouls after they exchanged words, while Zaza Pachulia appeared to extend his right arm near Iman Shumpert's groin, sparking an argument between the two.

    Based on that, it's doubtful Thompson, Smith or West will face further discipline following Game 5.