DeMarcus Cousins, Matt Barnes make contact with Bulls coach in altercation

The end of the third quarter between the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings provided a little excitement Monday night.

After not getting a call to go his way, Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson was given a technical for shouting at the official.

It appeared that Gibson thought he was fouled but the officiating crew thought otherwise. Gibson’s actions were minor as a scuffle between Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and  small forward Matt Barnes got into an altercation with a Bulls assistant coach between the third and fourth quarters.

A total of three technical fouls were assessed. Gibson was given the initial technical foul and Cousins and Barnes picked one up as well as their little skirmish had to be broken up by a Bulls assistant coach.

This incident could have been much worse. Luckily, each team’s coaching staff and the officials did a good job of deescalating the incident in a timely fashion.

Another part of the incident not seen above is Rajon Rondo. He appeared to start the little issue at half court as he went to defend Gibson. Rondo then went on to stare down the official as if he wanted to fight him on the hardwood.

https://twitter.com/World_Wide_Wob/status/828836151846842368

Rondo kept himself from picking up any technical fouls or being ejected thanks in part due to the Bulls coach separating him from the ref. Luckily, no punches were thrown and Rondo went on his merry way. After all, the Bulls were comfortably leading 85-69 over the Kings.

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Tempers heat up and players’ emotions get the best of them. This altercation could have led to something more major. It’s possible that the players involved could be given a hefty fine or a suspension. However, the NBA may not give any further discipline than the technical fouls assessed to the three players between the third and fourth quarters.