It didn't take very long for fireworks to fly in Tuesday's meeting between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers.
Late in the first quarter, Raptors forward OG Anunoby caught a lead pass for a potential transition layup. With Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder trying to prevent him from getting an easy bucket, he served a hard foul that resulted in an awkward tangle between the two players.
The Lakers and Raptors had to be separated after a physical play between Dennis Schröder and OG Anunoby.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 7, 2021
Anunoby and Montrezl Harrell were ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/hBNxjGyWWv
Once Anunoby dropped Schroder to the ground, tempers flared as players from both teams came rushing to their teammates' defence.
With plenty of jawing and pushing, the referees reviewed the post-play antics and decided that Anunoby and Lakers centre Montrezl Harrell would be ejected.
Anunoby had only played 10 minutes, going for two points with three assists. Harrell's night only lasted two-plus minutes, yet to record a single stat by the time of his ejection.
The Lakers led 40-28 after one frame, burying a season-high nine 3-pointers in the first quarter. With the Raptors already short a number of players due to injuries or health and safety protocols, they were down to just eight available bodies following Anunoby's ejection.
Los Angeles would go on to win the game 110-101, snapping an 11-game losing streak against Toronto.
For more on the decisive loss, check out our takeaways from the game here.
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