The NBA fined Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green $35,000 for his involvement in a late-game brawl against the Miami Heat on December 29, 2024. The incident happened with 35.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 104-100 win over Houston. Green, along with numerous other players, was removed after the altercation.
The fight started after Miami’s Tyler Herro leaned into Houston’s Amen Thompson, causing Thompson to aggressively grab Herro’s jersey and throw him to the ground. This conduct resulted in a larger confrontation involving players from both teams. In addition to Green’s fine, the NBA suspended Thompson for two games and Terry Rozier of Miami for one game for their roles in the incident. Ime Udoka, the Rockets head coach, was fined $50,000 for verbally assaulting a game official and failing to leave the court in a timely way after being ejected.
Green has already faced disciplinary action from the league. Green and teammate Jae’Sean Tate were suspended one game without pay for leaving the bench area after an on-court brawl in a prior game against the Sacramento Kings.
The NBA’s decision to punish Green demonstrates the league’s dedication to upholding sportsmanship and discipline on the floor. To avoid additional sanctions, the Rockets and their players are expected to follow the league’s behavior regulations as the season progresses.