Garbage time meltdown.
With the outcome already determined, Los Angeles Lakers forward Devin Ebanks decided to unleash some frustration in a scene that looked like a tribute to teammate Metta World Peace.
The drama unfolded with the Oklahoma City Thunder leading Game 1 of a Western Conference semifinals series by more than thirty points with a little more than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Ebanks, who had just checked into the game, inserted himself into a loose ball scrum after the whistle had already stopped play. He then shoved Thunder reserve guard Royal Ivey using both hands, for no apparent reason. That led to the usual jawing between the teams and Ebanks and Ivey were hit with double technicals. Ebanks then picked up a second technical and an automatic ejection for talking back to one of the referees.
On his way off the court, things got even more interesting. Ebanks tossed aside a chair and stripped off his jersey as he entered the tunnel.
"Young fella might pay for it in his pocket," Lakers coach Mike Brown said after the game, referencing a possible fine for the tantrum. "The league will do whatever they need to do. Those are times you need to keep your cool."
Ebanks left the game with 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist on 1-for-3 shooting in 4 minutes.
The Thunder went on to win Game 1, 119-90. Game 2 is set for Wednesday night.
