In a game that highlighted the Los Angeles Lakers’ ongoing dominance—extending their winning streak to seven with a 133-121 victory over a shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans squad—the third quarter turned tense, injecting some much-needed fire into what had been a lopsided affair. With over four minutes remaining and the Lakers leading by 15, a routine drive by Lakers guard Luka Doncic escalated into a heated confrontation with Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears, resulting in double technical fouls for both players after a lengthy official review.

Both guards got tangled under the basket when the Lakers were up 83-98. Doncic was making a drive to the basket but Fears blocked him aggressively, by sticking his arm in Luka’s face.Visibly frustrated, Doncic immediately got in Fears’ face, jawing at the young guard.

Fears, undeterred and holding his own as a feisty rookie who’s already averaging 15+ points in spot starts, fired back. The exchange quickly escalated to near headbutting and light shoving, with the two players going nose-to-nose in a classic NBA standoff. Teammates from both sides—led by Lakers center Deandre Ayton, who inserted himself to pull Doncic away—along with referees, swarmed to de-escalate before it turned into a full scuffle.

Doncic and Fears were still awarded technical fouls for their conduct. But no players were eliminated.

Officials hit pause for a review under the league’s “hostile act” protocol, ultimately assessing technical fouls to both Doncic and Fears for their post-whistle conduct. No ejections were issued, and play resumed shortly after, with the Lakers pulling away to seal the win.

Doncic finished with a game-high 34 points (20 in the first quarter alone), 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Fears led the Pelicans with 21 points in a valiant but ultimately futile effort from the depleted roster (missing Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III).

The Pelicans might be the worst team in the West right now, with expectations at an all-time low, and they’re lacking star power. But Fears is not making it easy for any team. Just before he triggered Doncic, he was getting under Rui Hachimura’s skin at the free-throw line.

He’s just earned himself a spot on the hate-watch with his antics. Clearly, he’s not afraid to take on the big guys.

Jeremiah Fears has made it his business to annoy vets

Jeremiah Fears just avoided leaving the Pelicans understaffed for a second consecutive time. Zero Fears, as the teen’s reputation and number have earned him, is fresh off an ejection only 24 hours ago.

Tensions flared between the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans only yesterday. This time, the young guard took on Jimmy Butler. With 44 seconds in the fourth, Butler was about to attempt a three, and the ref blew the whistle.

Fears slithered up from the back and tried to push or grab the ball out of Butler’s hands. That led to a heated exchange between Butler and a guy 17 years his junior!

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Players and officials broke up the fight, and both received double techs. It was Fears’ second of the night, and he got thrown out of the game. It almost overshadowed the fact that he was on a shooting slump in yesterday’s game.

Fears returned to the starting lineup in the second of a back-to-back set with fellow rookies, Yves Missi and Derik Queen in the starting lineup that’s missing Zion Williamson. Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Jordan Poole are still ruled out with injuries.

They can’t afford to have Fears getting ejected with his antics. Yet, fans are loving the energy Jeremiah Fears brings to a down-and-out Pelicans team.