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Audio By Carbonatix
Did Amen Thomson of the Houston Rockets intend to injure Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler with a clumsy foul in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoff series? That’s the question that many fans are asking, especially amid some eyebrow-raising comments from Rockets head coach Ime Udoka both in the game and afterward. Butler left the game late in the first quarter and did not return after a hard fall on his tailbone following a foul from Thompson.
“If it gets chippy, we’ve seen over the last two years that’s worked in our favor for the most part, gets us amped up,” Udoka said after the game.
His comments largely referred to minor scuffles that occurred late in the game. But when placed in the context of a game where Butler was taken out early, they led fans to wonder about his team’s intent.
“But when you have a lead, [and you’re] up 20, and things start to happen, you understand why,” Udoka continued That’s kind of the last resort by teams. You’ve got to keep your composure at that point and just stay calm.”
Ime Udoka Told Players That Refs Won’t Call Fouls Before Amen Thompson Play
Earlier in the game, sideline microphones picked up a clip of Udoka telling his team to play in a physical manner because he believed that referees did not want to make calls.
“Keep playing through the contact, physicality,” Udoka said during a timeout. “Don’t worry, they’re not going to call anything.”
That preceded Thompson’s foul on Butler. On the play in question, the 22-year-old rising star knifed between Draymond Green and teammate Steven Adams in an attempt to grab a rebound. Thompson seemingly tripped in the process and then lunged forward, cutting Butler’s legs out as he jumped into the air.
Thompson did not speak with members of the media after the game. While it’s impossible to ascribe intent, it’s certainly not a great look. And Udoka’s comments don’t do him any favors.