The Houston Rockets are suspending guard Kevin Porter Jr. and center/forward Christian Wood for Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers for their behavior during a weekend loss to Denver, ESPN reported.
Per multiple reports, Porter had a heated exchange with assistant coach John Lucas at halftime of Saturday’s 124-111 loss to the Nuggets. The Athletic reported Lucas called out the “entire team at halftime,” with Porter taking issue and reportedly throwing an object before he “promptly left the arena.”
“We had a spirited debate,” Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said following the game. “I have certain demands of this team as far as playing hard. … I wasn’t satisfied with the effort.”
Wood, who averages team-best totals in points (16.8) and rebounds (10.3) reportedly refused to sub into the game for the second half.
“Coach’s decision,” Silas said postgame, regarding Wood’s second-half benching.
Wood came off the bench Saturday after missing a mandatory COVID-19 testing window, according to The Athletic. Wood’s “effort level” was a focus of Lucas’ fiery halftime speech, per the report.
Porter is averaging 12.8 points and 5.7 assists for the Rockets (10-27), who have lost seven games in a row entering Monday’s game in Philadelphia.
–Field Level Media