Roy Hibbert of the Indiana Pacers and David Lee of the Golden State Warriors were involved in an altercation during the fourth quarter of Indiana's 108-97 victory that spilled into the stands.
With about six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter David Lee shoved Hibbert after a foul called on Andris Biedrins. Hibbert responded with some chatter and a return shove. As the talking escalated several Warriors went after Hibbert, most notably point guard Stephen Curry who was tossed to the floor not once, but twice, by Hibbert. As the shoving continued the pile moved further and further back, eventually flooding the first few rows of fans. The Warriors were actively defending Lee while David West of the Pacers was forcefully shoving members of both sides in an effort to calm the incident down.
Hibbert was ejected after being assessed two technical fouls for his role in the melee. West was also issued a technical foul, along with Curry, Lee, and Klay Thompson. Since both sides were issued three technicals apiece they offset. Hibbert is expected to receive a one-game suspension and miss Thursday's meeting in Indiana with the Los Angeles Clippers.
After the game, Hibbert seemed confused as to why Curry, who is 11 inches shorter than Hibbert and nearly 100 pounds lighter, involved himself in the altercation. "Seriously, I didn't feel [Curry]. ... It's between David Lee and [Curry] just wanted to get involved. You know, I'm the type of person - I don't want to start anything with someone that's smaller than me. If I have somebody my size, you know, we'll talk it out like men. I don't take pride in tossing a little guy to the side," Hibbert told CSN Bay Area.
Hibbert scored 13 points in the win before being ejected, to go with nine rebounds and five blocked shots. Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, and was 7-of-10 from 3-point range.
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