Chicago — Shaquille O'Neal snapped, and the Los Angeles Lakers lost a lot more than a game Saturday night.
In one of the most violent and stunning games of the NBA season, the lowly Chicago Bulls shocked the Lakers, 106-104, in overtime Saturday night after O'Neal was ejected for throwing two punches at Bulls center Brad Miller.
O'Neal flew into an uncontrollable rage when he was fouled hard late in the fourth quarter, throwing two roundhouse rights the second of which connected as Miller had his back turned.
O'Neal faces an automatic one-game suspension for throwing a punch, but the penalty will likely be much longer given the amount of anger he vented and the size of the ensuing melee.
"I'm just glad that I moved my head at the last second for no reason," Miller said. "That would have knocked me out real good."
Kobe Bryant tried to take over after O'Neal was tossed, but he missed a game-winner at the end of regulation, a free throw that would have tied the game with 8 seconds left in overtime and a jumper that would have tied it with a half-second left.
The Bulls, with the NBA's worst record (7-29), dealt the Lakers their most inexcusable and costliest loss of the season.
"That was quite a calamity out there," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "We continually warned the referees that they were playing too rough. I hold those officials responsible for not taking control of this game earlier."
Ron Mercer led Chicago with 28 points, and the Bulls got 39 points from their reserves. Derek Fisher made seven three-pointers and scored a career-high 28 for Los Angeles, while Bryant added 26.
With the Lakers leading 87-84 with 2:44 left, O'Neal was clobbered by Charles Oakley and Miller as he received the ball in the low post. O'Neal immediately turned and went after Miller, throwing a roundhouse right that missed and a second that connected.
O'Neal jumped on Miller in a huge pileup along the baseline, with Oakley trying to pry O'Neal off.
"I've got cuts all over my chest and my arm, there were people grabbing my jersey, choking me, pulling me this way and that way," Miller said.
Miller emerged from the pile shirtless, smiled a bit and walked off. O'Neal stayed on the court for a few minutes before being led off along with Oakley.
"I was just glad we picked up Oakley over the summer because I knew if I got into something he'd have my back. He saved me from a shattered jaw at least," Miller said.
O'Neal did not speak to reporters after the game.
Rick Fox also was ejected for arguing with the referees as they tried to sort things out. Mercer tied the game at 94-94 by making a three-pointer with 9.2 seconds left, and Bryant missed a jumper from the top of the key to end regulation.
Timberwolves 108, Wizards 100
Washington Kevin Garnett had 31 points, seven assists and six rebounds as Minnesota followed its 18-point victory over the Lakers with a win over Washington. Chauncey Billups scored 19 of his season-high 29 points in the first quarter.
Suns 108, Heat 74
Phoenix Shawn Marion had 21 points in under three quarters, and Phoenix ended a five-game losing streak. Reserve Eddie House had 15 points for the Heat, who shot 32.6 percent (30-of-92).
Mavericks 111, Pacers 102
Dallas Steve Nash scored 15 of his 29 points in the final period quarter, and surging Dallas rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat Indiana. Dirk Nowitzki had 31 points and 11 rebounds as the Mavericks won for the 13th time in their last 15 games.
Celtics 115, Hawks 91
Atlanta Paul Pierce scored 31 points and Antoine Walker added 23 as Boston beat Atlanta. The Celtics, who improved to 14-1 when they score 100 points, had lost two straight to Atlanta and entered the game with just two wins in their last seven on the road.
Pistons 104, Hornets 76
Auburn Hills, Mich. Jerry Stackhouse scored 27 points, and Cliff Robinson added 21 to help Detroit beat Charlotte to end a three-game slide.
Rockets 98, Nuggets 86
Houston Eddie Griffin tied his career high with 25 points on 10-of-11 shooting and blocked five shots to lead Houston over Denver. Kenny Thomas added 15 points, and Steve Francis had 14 points and seven assists for the Rockets.
Grizzlies 97, Jazz 95, 2OT
Salt Lake City Jason Williams scored 22 points, and Pau Gasol had 18 as Memphis held on to beat Utah in double overtime. The outcome wasn't decided until Utah's John Starks threw the ball away with 4 seconds remaining.
Nets 91 Magic 85
Orlando, Fla. Reserve Lucious Harris scored 20 points, and Jason Kidd led a late charge as New Jersey won its fourth straight game. Kidd had six of his 14 points in the final 3:56 as the Nets closed the game with a 14-5 run. He also had 10 rebounds and six assists.
Bucks 102, Knicks 97
New York Ray Allen scored a season-high 37 points, including a franchise record-tying eight three-pointers.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.