PHOENIX: Officials ejected Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks for kicking Jamal Murray in the groin during the third quarter of Friday’s 127-120 defeat by the Denver Nuggets.
Brooks attempted a turnaround jumper with Murray defending him. As he fell backwards, Brooks extended his right leg and made contact with the Denver guard. Murray went down in pain but recovered and remained in the game.
Referees initially called an offensive foul, then reviewed the play and upgraded it to a flagrant 2. That classification carries an automatic ejection under National Basketball Association (NBA) rules.
Crew chief Tyler Ford announced that officials had determined Brooks kicked his leg out overtly. The ejection came with 8:05 remaining in the third quarter. However, Murray rejected the suggestion that Brooks had deliberately tried to hurt him.
“No, of course not,” Murray said when asked whether the kick was intentional. Both players represent Canada internationally.
Brooks had been Phoenix’s leading scorer when he left the floor, with 22 points on nine successful shots from 12 attempts. He scored 20 before half-time and finished four of six from three-point range.
NBA rules define a flagrant 2 as unnecessary and excessive contact. In addition to the ejection, the penalty awards the opposing team two free throws and possession. Murray finished with 39 points for Denver, while Christian Braun contributed 31.
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The NBA Cup group-stage victory improved the Nuggets’ regular-season record to 3-2. Phoenix fell to 1-3 after losing its opening Cup game.
Denver next hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, while Phoenix visits the Golden State Warriors that night.
(With additional input from AP and The Arizona Republic)
