Amen Thompson throws Tyler Herro onto the court, igniting a fight in Heat’s win over the Rockets

Amen Thompson throws Tyler Herro onto the court, igniting a fight in Heat’s win over the Rockets

HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat reacts after an altercation with the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on December 29, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro were both ejected in the bench-clearing brawl in Houston on Sunday night. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro sparked a fight that resulted in six ejections in the final seconds of the Miami Heat’s 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.

With about 30 seconds left at Toyota Center, Herro and Thompson were jockeying for position in front of an inbounds pass when the breakout suddenly occurred. Then Thompson suddenly got in Herro’s face and grabbed him by the collar before pulling him to the ground. Immediately, Thompson and Herro were pushed into the pile by both teams as chaos ensued.

It took several assistant coaches, staff members and even arena security to defuse the situation. Herro was seen clapping to Thompson as both were restrained.

That, of course, led to a number of evictions, including Thompson, Jalen Green, Houston head coach Ime Udoka and assistant Ben Sullivan. Terry Rozier and Herro were both cut for the Heat. It is unclear what specifically triggered the incident. Fred VanVleet was sent off in the previous game for an unrelated incident.

Despite the chaotic final sequence, the Heat held on down the home stretch and took a four-point win. Herro had a team-high 27 points and nine assists for Miami, which improved to 16-14 with the win. Nikola Jović added 18 points off the bench and Haywood Highsmith finished the game with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 22 points in the loss. Alperen Şengün finished the game with 18 points and 18 rebounds and Green had 19 points before being ejected. Thompson had just five points off the bench. The loss was the second in a row for Houston, which fell to 21-11 on the year.

Thompson has averaged 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds this season, mostly off the bench, his second in the league. The Rockets selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2023. While anyone involved in Sunday night’s upset is certain to face punishment from the league in the coming days, be it a fine or a multi-game suspension, Thompson’s is easily the worst.

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