The Pool Report interview was conducted by Kelly Iko (The Athletic) with Crew Chief Marc Davis following tonight’s Miami at Houston game.

December 29, 2024

 

QUESTION: What led to the ejections of Fred VanVleet and Ime Udoka?

 

DAVIS: After the correctly assessed five-second violation, Fred VanVleet asked me why he was not granted a timeout. I communicated to him that the five-second count was reached prior to him requesting the timeout. He walks away. Coach Udoka then asks for an explanation. I give it to him and then Fred VanVleet re-engages and intentionally contacts me and is ejected as per rule.

 

QUESTION: And the ejection of Ime Udoka?

 

DAVIS: At the conclusion of the altercation, Coach Udoka is ejected as per rule for his unsportsmanlike comments directed towards me.

 

QUESTION: What led to the ejections of Amen Thompson, Tyler Herro, Jalen Green, Terry Rozier and assistant coach Ben Sullivan?

 

DAVIS: During the dead ball, Thompsons grabs the jersey and body slams Herro. Herro responds and they are both ejected for fighting fouls. Green is ejected as his actions escalated the altercation.  Rozier as well is ejected as his actions were escalators to the altercation.  Coach Sullivan is assessed a technical foul and ejected for his unsportsmanlike comments directed at me as I was attempting to redirect [Alperen] Sengun.

 

QUESTION: Was there any belief that either of Jalen Green or Terry Rozier attempted to de-escalate the situation — prior to their ejections?

 

DAVIS:  No.