Celtics and Cavaliers get chippy early in Game 5

There was some chippiness early in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the officials did a good job diffusing what could’ve been worse.

The Eastern Conference Finals is tied 2-2, and in a close series like this one, tensions can mount. There was almost a melee on the court after a scuffle, but the players and officials did good job at diffusing the situation before it escalated.

After a good defensive play, Marcus Morris stood over Larry Nance, Jr. and taunted him. Nance took umbrage with the taunting and, after a delay shoved Morris. Terry Rozier also got in the action.

It could’ve been much worse, but it turned out to be just something small thanks to intervening officials and players. The referees did the right thing in the end, though.

They assessed double technical fouls on Nance and Morris, and another on Rozier for his participation. That resulted in a free throw for Cleveland.

It’s one thing to make a good play and celebrate. It’s another to rub it in your opponent’s face, and even though Morris was wrong, Nance was out of line in his reaction. It’s playoff basketball, though, and it didn’t get out of hand. In the end a crisis was averted, and that’s all that matters.

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In a series that might go seven games, there’s bound to be some tension. It’s always better to clear the tension early than let it escalate into something bigger. Everyone involved did just that.

It turned out to be just something small due to everyone involved. Cooler heads prevailed and the right repercussions were handed down. This was also a win for replay, even though it took a while. Everything was adjudicated properly and they got back into the game. Good job everyone.