Within the final seconds, the Houston RocketsFrustration boiled over. Struggling for a rebound, Alperen Sengun pushed Cason Wallace from behind. Regardless of being almost a foot shorter, the latter did not let it cross.
Wallace rotated and located himself dealing with Sengun. A crowd rapidly fashioned. The 2 gamers have been separated. That is the second time in a row that these groups have fought within the ultimate moments of a match. Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander almost began a battle whereas preventing for the ball in OKC. Defeat of December 1 in Houston.
After evaluation, the referees performed it secure and handed out double technical fouls on either side. Seconds later, Lu Dort additionally acquired a technical foul for celebrating a 3-point shot. This was extreme correction from the officers as they tried to finish the match on a clear observe.
Whereas they may downplay it, it is apparent {that a} smoldering rivalry between the Thunder and Rockets has developed. The 2 are two of the perfect groups within the league. Their trajectories have mirrored one another for greater than a decade. It is solely pure that these confrontations imply extra. Sengun’s push in opposition to Wallace is the most recent instance.
The Thunder had the final snort. They took benefit of an avalanche within the second half to beat the Rockets and advance to the 2024 NBA Cup Finals in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks. This victory additionally made it doable to avoid wasting a annoying loss in opposition to Houston two weeks in the past.
Isaiah Hartenstein was a fan of the technical foul. The seven-footer mentioned if Wallace was fined, he would pay it as he happy. The 26-year-old is feeling charitable after signing a three-year, $87 million contract final offseason with OKC.
“I liked it, I liked it. My son is entering into it. I already bought his ticket, so it is all good,” Hartenstein mentioned. “I liked it. It has been Caso all yr. We most likely have not talked sufficient about him, the issues he does on either side.
Wallace commented on the confrontation. The normally calm 21-year-old was not a fan of this push. As soon as the match was determined, he had the posh of calling Sengun onto the sector.
“No matter occurs there occurs,” Wallace mentioned. “However we’re not going to let ourselves be punked or intimidate anybody.”
Hartenstein and Wallace performed key roles within the Thunder’s excellent protection. Hartenstein stabilized the beginning middle spot after Chet Holmgren suffered a damaged hip. Wallace slowly earned the fifth beginning position together with his perimeter protection and out of doors capturing complementing his teammates.
“I liked it, I liked it. My son is entering into it. I already bought his nice so every part is okay. I liked it. It has been Caso all yr. We most likely have not talked sufficient about him, the issues he does on either side.
Isaiah Hartenstein on Cason Wallace’s altercation with Alperen… pic.twitter.com/34bXKyWcsE
– Clutch Factors (@ClutchPoints) December 15, 2024
This text was initially revealed on OKC Thunder Wire: Isaiah Hartenstein liked Cason Wallace in opposition to Alperen Sengun
