James Harden ejection: Why 76ers guard was tossed for Flagrant 2 foul low blow vs. Nets

Kyle Irving

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James Harden ejection: Why 76ers guard was tossed for Flagrant 2 foul low blow vs. Nets image

Complete chaos has broken out in Game 3 between the 76ers and Nets.

Less than three minutes into the contest, Philadelphia star Joel Embiid was nearly ejected for kicking Nets center Nic Claxton in the groin area. He was controversially assessed with a Flagrant 1 and remained in the game.

Later on in the game, star guard James Harden attempted to attack the basket and pushed off Nets forward Royce O'Neale, striking him in the groin area.

The Sporting News breaks down the play below.

MORE: What is the difference between a Flagrant 1 and Flagrant 2 foul?

James Harden ejection, Flagrant 2 foul

In the third quarter, Harden was tightly guarded by O'Neale as he patiently waited to attack. When Harden went to make his move, he pushed off O'Neale, striking him in the groin section.

Given the way Embiid's ruling went, the expectation was that Harden would also receive a Flagrant 1 foul, but that was not the case.

After the referees reviewed the play, they elected to give Harden a Flagrant 2 foul, ejecting him from the game.

Harden finished the contest with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists in 29 minutes.

Nicolas Claxton was also ejected for receiving two technical fouls. In addition to a technical foul picked up early in his scuffle with Embiid, he was whistled for a second technical foul in the fourth quarter, earning an automatic ejection.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.