7 Scuffles in NBA That Had The Sports World Talking

Contact sports always have seen violent scuffles. In NBA history, there have been many that shocked fans and became the talking point of the sport when it happened. Here are 7 such incidents that had the entire sports world talking about.

Nikola Jokic vs. Markieff Morris

During a game between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Markieff Morris delivered a hard foul on Nikola Jokic. In retaliation, Jokic hit Morris with a hard shove from behind, causing him to be taken off the court on a stretcher. Jokic was ejected and suspended for one game, and Morris was fined $50,000.

Isiah Stewart vs. LeBron James

LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart tangled up during a free throw, resulting in James striking Stewart's face and drawing blood. A furious Stewart repeatedly attempted to charge James, requiring numerous players and coaches to restrain him.

Draymond Green vs. Rudy Gobert

A skirmish during a Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves game saw Draymond Green put Rudy Gobert in a headlock. The altercation started with Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels. This moment stunned the entire NBA world.

Bill Laimbeer vs. Charles Barkley

In a game between the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers, notoriously tough players Bill Laimbeer and Charles Barkley came to blows. After Laimbeer got tangled up with Barkley and his teammate Rick Mahorn, Barkley swung at Laimbeer, igniting a bench-clearing brawl. Barkley and Laimbeer were fined $20,000, the largest fine in NBA history at the time.

Larry Bird vs. Julius Erving

In a heated matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, basketball legends Larry Bird and Julius "Dr. J" Erving came to blows. The two traded punches after Bird was called for an offensive foul. It resulted in a bench-clearing melee, with both players receiving large fines.

Carmelo Anthony vs. Mardy Collins

In the final seconds of a blowout loss, Knicks player Mardy Collins delivered a hard foul to the Nuggets' J.R. Smith. A full-scale brawl erupted between the Nuggets and Knicks players, with Carmelo Anthony landing a punch on Collins.

Rudy Tomjanovich vs. Kermit Washington

During a heated scuffle between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, Kermit Washington threw a punch that landed squarely on the face of Rudy Tomjanovich, who was running over to break up the fight. Tomjanovich suffered life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized for weeks. The picture of Rudy's bruise on his face was widely talked about back then.