That’s one way to cause a scene!
With the game already decided, Zion Williamson threw down a vicious 360 dunk on the last play of the New Orleans Pelicans’ 128-117 win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday (AEDT) to ignite an all-in scuffle between the two top-seeded Western Conference teams.
Things had already gotten testy on the court after Larry Nance made a layup on the previous play with 18 seconds remaining to extend the Pelicans lead to nine as Suns players got worked up.
Watch an average of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Sat, 10 Dec
Saturday December 10th
However Williamson’s much more pronounced statement dunk – an unwritten no-go in blowouts or games that are over – and ensuing passionate celebration really fired up Phoenix players.
“No, no, no, no,” former NBA player Antonio Daniels said on Bally Sports commentary while Williamson ran in for the dunk.
Chris Paul and Jose Alvarado first got into a heated exchange before it spilled over between teammates including Jock Landale Aussie at mid-court in hectic post-match scenes.
Even the two coaches, Willie Green and Monty Williams, were in the thick of it at one stage.
“This came from the last two possessions though,” Daniels added. “With Larry Nance shooting a layup then the game was over, then Zion doing a 360 (dunk) when the game was over.
“This is how rivalries start!”
Commentator Joel Meyers added: “It’s unfortunate the season series is going to be over before Christmas.”
It marked a sixth-straight win for the Pelicans to improve to 17-18 and extend their lead at the top of the West standings, while Phoenix fell to 16-10.
The controversial end of the game prompted a diverse response from the NBA world, with some believing the Suns overreacted to Williamson’s dunk, while others thought it was unnecessary.
One thing’s for sure – the teams’ rematch on Monday will have some added spice.
.