Basketball: Steven Adams ejected after on-court tussle

Mason Plumlee of the Phoenix Suns and Steven Adams of the Houston Rockets are seen engaging in a scuffle during an NBA game, 2025. Photo: AFP

Kiwi basketball player Steven Adams was ejected from his latest NBA game after getting into a tussle with an opposition player.

It was late in the first half of the match between his Houston Rockets and the visiting Phoenix Suns.

Things got heated when Adams and the Suns' Mason Plumlee got tangled up while battling for position on the court.

Adams appeared to attempt to pick Plumlee up before both players fell to the floor. Plumlee surfaced with blood on his face.

After a period of consultation by the officials, both players were ejected and now face possible suspensions or fines.

Houston won the game 111-104 to remain fifth in the Western Conference standings.

Adams was growing into the season after knee surgery, averaging almost 13 minutes, 3.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

"He goes for every rebound, and he does it whether it's dirty or not," Plumlee told the Arizona Republic. "I just felt like they were being more physical than us, so I just made a point to hit him on the glass."

"There wasn't much," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said afterwards.

"Steven could do a lot more if he was really trying to wrestle. It looked like they got in a little bear hug and fell down. I thought that would maybe be a technical at best. Surprised they were ejected."

The Rockets fans enjoyed the incident and gave Adams a standing ovation as he left the court.