The NBA will review a second-quarter altercation between the Hawks’ Mike Scott and the Pacers’ George Hill in Thursday’s Game 6 of the Eastern Conference playoff series, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has learned.
The incident could lead to suspensions for several Pacers, including All-Star Paul George, who appeared to leave the bench and step onto the court. The league will also look into whether Hill poked Scott in the eye.
A shoving match broke out between the Scott and Hill with 19 seconds left in the second quarter after they got tangled up under the basket. Hill confronted Scott and appeared to put his finger in the face of the Hawks player after a play under the Hawks basket. Television replays show Hill initiated the contact.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel ran onto the court to separate the players.
During the fracas, replays also showed Pacers players George and Rasual Butler stepping onto the court. According to NBA rules a player faces suspension for leaving the bench in the vicinity of an on-court altercation. There is precedent for a suspension in past postseasons.
“I haven’t seen it,” Vogel said of the video replay. “Somebody told me about it. I’m not concerned about any suspensions until I hear something. I don’t imagine there would be.”
Both Scott and Hill were assessed technical fouls. Officials also assessed Scott a personal foul on the play.
“He put his finger in my face,” Scott said. “He put his finger on me and I was defending myself.”
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said he also did not see the Pacers reaction as he was more concerned with keeping his players on the bench. Nonetheless, the Hawks have been informed the league will look into the incident.
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