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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

The Memphis Grizzlies were at the Kings‘ home court as they defeated Memphis 121-111 tonight. With the loss, the Grizzlies are on a three-game losing streak as they continue at the bottom three in the West. While they might have a 23-45 record, their road record is at a respectable 15-18. But unfortunately, tonight was not the night. To add injury to the defeat, Marcus Smart, who has been out with a right ring finger injury, got tossed out.

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As per updates, the Grizzlies guard was seen arguing with the referee and will most likely face a hefty fine on top of ejection.

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The Kings and Grizzlies were involved in pretty much a lot of back-and-forth throughout the game. As the matchup went into overtime, Sacramento, with around three minutes left on the clock, took a 109-107 lead. Seeing an opportunity, Desmond Bane tried to tie the score but got hit. No foul was called there and the Kings proceeded to extend their lead to 115. The Grizzlies were still at 107. After a brilliant dunk by Domantas Sabonis, Memphis called for a timeout.

It was at this point that Smart lost it. The episode was soon followed by the announcement that Marcus Smart was ejected. Of course, the 30-year-old point guard getting ejected while in street clothes was called out for its ridiculousness. But this season has been fraught with so many officiating incidents that nobody is even surprised anymore. But not playing and getting ejected? First time, unless you count the 2018 incident involving DeMarcus Cousins.

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Getting ejected in street clothes before Marcus Smart

The incident is in the name of DeMarcus Cousins. The ex-Kings star is a recipient of 143 technical fouls and has amassed 14 ejections in his NBA career. Not your average Joe. When an explosive center like Cousins is part of your team, you have to be ready for the unexpected.

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Read More: What Happened to Marcus Smart? Grizzlies Mortified With Another Injury Scare After Ja Morant News

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And that’s what happened when he was part of the Golden State Warriors. After undergoing a season-ending injury while with the Pelicans, he didn’t get any outstanding offers from other teams. The circumstances led him to sign with the Dubs on a midlevel exception for a one-year $5.3 million deal in 2018. Even before making his debut with his new team, Cousins managed to get thrown out of a Warriors vs Knicks game while on the bench.

He was arguing with Scott Foster during the October 26, 2018 matchup. Still recovering from his Achilles tendon injury, he was present at MSG on the sidelines. Since he hadn’t suited up yet, his first official statistic with the GSW was the ejection.

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While it is a rare scene, it isn’t completely new. And seeing how Nikola Jokic was ejected during Serbian Heritage Night or Thomas Bryant was thrown out during his ring ceremony, it’s not all that surprising for this to happen. What are your thoughts?

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Geisha Pulimoottil Don

1,727 Articles

Geisha P. Don is an NBA Editor at EssentiallySports, where she manages a team of five reporters. A literature graduate, she brings a writer's empathy to her coverage, delving into the human side of athletes' lives. In her two years with the organization, she has handled high-stakes coverage of major events, including the 2024 NBA Finals and the Paris Olympics. Her distinct editorial voice combines on-court action with a keen focus on off-court culture, from player fashion and trade season drama to the personal stories that surround the game. Geisha believes athletes are more than just players, and her coverage of figures like Savannah James and Ayesha Curry reflects her broader appreciation for the NBA’s entire ecosystem. She is also an experienced journalist in live-event coverage and play-by-play commentary through Live Blogs. A devoted Golden State Warriors fan, Geisha's interests extend beyond basketball to crime thrillers and K-dramas.

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Shivatmika Manvi

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