Isaiah Thomas played just 88 seconds in Friday’s game between the Washington Wizards and Portland Trailblazers. The Wizards guard was ejected mere seconds after tip-off for making contact with a referee.
Thomas came tied up with Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard. Thomas appeared to be expecting an early whistle from the nearby referee. When the whistle didn’t come soon enough, Thomas reached out touching the referee.
The ref tripped into the front row of fans before immediately signaling for Thomas’ ejection.
This is Thomas’ second ejection in two weeks. He was ejected from a Dec. 21 game against the Philadelphia 76ers after he charged into the stands to confront a taunting fan.
The fan later was banned for a year from the 76ers’ home arena, but Thomas was suspended two games by the NBA for entering the stands.
Adding his latest ejection is not a good look for Thomas.
The Wizards were already shorthanded in the game as leading scorer Bradley Beal sat out due to a leg injury. Losing Thomas shorten head coach Scott Brooks’ rotation more.
The Wizards lost the game 122-103.
Thomas now faces additional discipline from the league, who may not be lenient given a second offense so close to the fan incident.
