NBA star suffers on-court meltdown and is held back by coaches after being ejected for throwing ball at fans
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton had a meltdown on the court, overcome with frustration against the Toronto Raptors.
Early in the second quarter Thursday, the game north of the border was closely contested with the Raptors leading, 31-29.
Already discouraged by the referee, Claxton was fouled by Toronto’s Kelly Olynyk on his way to the basket. As the officials blew the contact, Claxton responded by throwing the ball toward the crowd, resulting in a technical foul.
The broadcast crew was then quick to point out that Claxton had been ejected from the match for recording two technical fouls, leaving the match just under four minutes into the second frame.
An alternate angle then showed the Georgia product picking up a seat cushion and appearing to be in motion to throw it away before being restrained by the Nets coaching staff.
After the pad was ripped from his hands, Claxton was escorted to the tunnel and locker room where he spent the rest of the match.
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton was ejected after a meltdown against the Raptors
He ended his shift early with seven points and five rebounds in 11 minutes of play.
Nevertheless, the Nets secured the 101–94 victory in Toronto, moving to an 11–16 record.
Cameron Johnson led the Nets with a double-double of 33 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Ben Simons and Shake Milton each contributed 12 points in the win, while Simmons led Brooklyn with seven assists.
Noah Clowney came off the bench and nearly scored a double-double with 11 points and nine boards.
Claxton is in his sixth season in Brooklyn after being drafted 31st overall in 2019. He is averaging 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 62.3 percent from the field.
The Nets are 11th in the Eastern Conference and will face the Utah Jazz on December 21 at Barclays Center.