Heat’s Caleb Martin, Raptors’ Christian Koloko Ejected After Fight Reaches The Stands
Caleb Martin of the Miami Heat and Christian Koloko of the Toronto Raptors were both ejected during a brawl between the two teams that involved over a dozen players and coaches.
Following a missed shot by Toronto’s Pascal Siakam in the third quarter, the altercation started with little under eight minutes remaining. When Koloko grabbed for the rebound under the basket while Caleb Martin was trying to box him out, the rookie from Toronto became entangled in Martin’s legs.
Heat’s Caleb Martin, Raptors’ Christian Koloko Ejected After Fight Reaches The Stands
Caleb Martin tried to injure Scottie Barnes last year. Now instigating a fight with Koloko. The guy has a screw loose. #wethenorth pic.twitter.com/B0zk53gFuM
— Ryan (@RyanWilkies) October 23, 2022
Koloko and Martin were entangled once more in a matter of seconds. Koloko looked to be driven into the seats by Martin, which caused them to tumble. That area, which was a few feet in front of the Heat bench, was immediately crowded with players from both teams.
Martin was penalized for a loose ball, but the situation worsened when he charged at Koloko and loomed over him. Pushing started, and the altercation spread into the audience. Other players separated the two players as the first row spectators were led from their seats.
Caleb Martin’s tackle on Koloko 😳 pic.twitter.com/7uC7wndg3X
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) October 23, 2022
Caleb Martin and Koloko were both whistled for technical fouls in addition to being ejected!
“There were a lot of plays leading up to it,” Martin said after the game. “It was a chippy game. That’s typically how the game goes with Toronto. It’s a chippy back and forth. But ultimately I just think that emotions were high and the game was a close game. It was back and forth. Overall, I got to be more professional in the way I handle those type of situations.”
CALEB MARTIN BODY SLAMMED CHRISTIAN KOLOKO INTO THE CROWD AND FTX ARENA IS PLAYING "KNUCK IF YOU BUCK" INTO THE BACKGROUND.
WE GOT MAYHEM IN MIAMI
— Matt Hanifan (@mph_824_) October 23, 2022
Said Koloko: “I just stood up for myself and I get ejected. That’s what happened.”
Toronto coach Nick Nurse said he expects the NBA to take a longer look at what happened.
“Several people were in that thing that probably shouldn’t have been,” Nurse said.
Caleb Martin pushed. Caleb Martin tackled. Caleb Martin taunted. But Koloko gets ejected???
— Noor (@noorrzainab) October 23, 2022
In 22 minutes, Caleb Martin finished the game with eight points, five rebounds, and two assists. Before heading to the showers, Koloko scored one point and grabbed two rebounds in 12 minutes.
After losing their first two games of the season, the Heat went on to win 112-109, their first victory of the year. Raptors record currently reads 1-2.
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