Fred VanVleet Ejection Announced by NBA Crew Chief Amid Viral Video of Rockets Loss | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats and Rumors

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet received a technical foul and was ejected from the game in the final seconds of Saturday’s 104-98 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, then pointed his finger in the referee’s face as he left the field.

Before VanVleet expressed his frustration, an offensive foul was called on his inbounds pass.

Said Crew Chief Courtney Kirkland: Houston Chronicle Jonathan Feigen in his pool report report It was stated that VanVleet “was ejected from the game with a technical foul due to his vulgar language and pointing fingers at all three referees.”

The pool report also included the following statements:

“QUESTION: At the last minute, there was no decision regarding the 3-point shot attempt right before the technical foul. What was the decision that that contact did not constitute a foul?

“KIRKLAND: In live action, we felt the defender remained directly in VanVleet’s path as he attempted to move toward the basket. After video review, we found the defender made contact with VanVleet’s hip and committed a foul. He should have been called, but the shot would not have been awarded on the play.”

It was the end of a disappointing night for VanVleet, who shot 4-of-13 from the field and 0-of-6 from three-point range in the loss by just eight points. He was the only player on Houston’s starting lineup who did not score in double figures.

On the other hand, Trail Blazers had three starting five players who scored at least 22 points, while Anfernee Simons continued their leadership with 25 points. Shaedon Sharpe scored 24 points and Jerami Grant scored 22 points.

The loss ended VanVleet and the Rockets’ two-game winning streak, but they still sit at an impressive 12-6 on the season. They split back-to-back home games against Portland on Friday and Saturday and won’t face the team again until the away game on Jan. 18.

The Rockets’ next game will be a two-game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.