The NBA world was inches away from witnessing another Malice at the Palace episode. In 2004, fans witnessed a violent brawl between fans and the players amid a game between the Pacers and Pistons. It led to multiple ejections and suspensions. Tonight, Houston Rockets star Tari Eason almost put himself in similar trouble as he attempted to run into the Golden 1 Center stands. While he got away without any repercussions, the refs ejected HC Ime Udoka for another ugly incident.

It was all happening on the Tuesday night NBA Cup challenge between Sac-Town and Rockets. In an already intense game that led to a 120-11 loss, Udoka wasn’t impressed with the officiating. Late in the fourth quarter, the refs even ejected him after he aggressively pursued one of the refs.

With less than 2 minutes left in the game, Rockets’ Alperen Sengun drove against Domantas Sabonis’ tightly knit defense and attempted a shot. Ime Udoka expected a shooting foul. Even though the visitors managed to make the bucket after Tari Eason tipped the ball in, the 47-year-old coach went after the ref, arguing aggressively. It went out of hand at one point that one of the Rockets’ staff had to barge in to back him down. However, it didn’t help either, as Udoka continued to chirp, resulting in his ejection.

Even after exiting the floor, Udoka didn’t seem to quit his complaints, as he took it to a post-game presser. Speaking of the officiating, he said, “They’re calling ticky-tack moving screens, and bulls*** like that, and then you don’t want to call the obvious ones right in front of you, so that was it. Alpie got fouled a few times on that drive, and on the layup, and they don’t want to call it. I told him ‘Get some f****** glasses. Open your eyes.” 

Nevertheless, that’s not the end of the story from the game, as we have yet to look at the Tari Eason incident.

Following Ime Udoka’s meltdown, Tari Eason almost stirred up the lake

The last thing that the Rockets would want is multiple suspensions amid their fierce run. From not qualifying for the postseason to reaching the second seed, the H-Town has come a long way. Undoubtedly, Ime Udoka played a huge role in the team’s unbelievable run. However, all of it could have gone down the drain within minutes, if not for the security guards.

After the game, Tari Eason headed to the locker room, and he had an unexpected intervention. While walking through the tunnel, the 23-year-old heard a heckler going at him. In response, Eason threw his towel at the fan and followed it with obscene words. It didn’t end there. The young baller attempted to reach the fan through the ramp. Fortunately, security stopped him before he could reach the fan.

It could have ended badly had Tari Eason engaged in a physical altercation with the fan. Notably, Ron Artest, who was a prime subject in the Malice at the Palace, faced a season-long suspension. And, two other players received a 25 and 30-game suspension. So, it’s safe to say that Tari Eason escaped a career-altering mistake.

What do you make of the whole drama? Let us know in the comments below.