In a physical showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets, tensions ran high as Rockets forward Amen Thompson was ejected for a flagrant foul on Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite the aggressive play that resulted in his ejection, Antetokounmpo showed grace by expressing no hard feelings towards Thompson, acknowledging the nature of competitiveness in the sport. Both coaches, Ime Udoka and Doc Rivers, agreed that Thompson's ejection was warranted due to the excessive and unnecessary contact to Antetokounmpo's head and neck.
The incident didn't dampen Antetokounmpo's appreciation for intense competition, as he emphasized the importance of players pushing themselves to play hard. Thompson, who had a prior ejection earlier in the season, found himself in hot water once again for his on-court actions. Despite the outcome of the game favoring Houston with a 100-97 victory, the focus remained on the physicality of the game and the acknowledgment that competitive spirits sometimes lead to questionable decisions on the court.