Indiana’s Ron Artest was ejected late in the second quarter of a loss to Sacramento on Sunday for arguing an offensive foul call.
It was his first ejection this year.
When official Anthony Jordan whistled Artest for a charge with 3 minutes 31 seconds left, Artest became angry and received a technical for arguing. The Pacers called time before Mike Bibby shot the free throws.
During the timeout, Artest approached Jordan to give him another earful, and official Bob Delaney called the second technical, which led to Artest being tossed.
“It was clear to me that the first technical was deserved,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “But the second one was unwarranted, particularly on how well he’s conducted himself this season.”
Artest was suspended for four games last season after exceeding the league’s flagrant-foul limit.
Raptors’ roll continues
Rookie Chris Bosh had 22 points and a career-high 16 rebounds to lead Toronto to its fourth straight victory, 108-98 over Seattle. Jalen Rose added 18 points and 10 assists for the Raptors, who improved to 4-0 since acquiring Rose, Donyell Marshal and Lonny Baxter from the Bulls.
“He’s giving up a lot of weight and still was a beast down there,” Vince Carter, who had 30 points, said of the 210-pound Bosh.
RESULTS, SUNDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Minnesota 96 at L.A. Clippers 94
Sam Cassell scored 15 of his 24 points in final 6:44, Kevin Garnett (24 points) made 20-foot jumper as time expired to cap comeback from 83-68 deficit with just over 8 minutes to play.
Seattle 98 at Toronto 108
Vince Carter had 20 points, 5 assists in 2nd half. Chris Bosh was 8-for-13 from field, tied club record for most rebounds by rookie (16). Morris Peterson hit 4 3-pointers in 4th quarter.
Portland 79 at Memphis 93
Bonzi Wells had 16 points against his former team, which remained winless on the road. Portland had 15-point lead in 2nd, but Memphis erased it, ran away with 24-11 4th-quarter edge.
Boston 116 at Denver 111
Paul Pierce had 33 points, 10 assists, Eric Williams added season-high 21 for Celtics, who arrived just 5 hours before tipoff due to Boston snowstorm. Nuggets’ 6-game streak snapped.
Indiana 88 at Sacramento 91
Brad Miller had 18 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists in 1st game against old team for 2nd triple-double of season. He scored 35 Friday. Kings held on after opening 13-point lead in 3rd.
Utah 92 at L.A. Lakers 94
Devean George’s 3-pointer with 24 seconds left won it. Shaquille O’Neal, missed a triple-double by 2 assists (19 points, 15 rebounds). Jazz missed 2 shots for the win in final 5 seconds.
