Ben Simmons found his way into the scuffle that broke out between teammate Joel Embiid and Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns on Wednesday night, but he was not ejected like the two big men. That is apparently because game officials determined Simmons was trying to keep the peace, but the T-Wolves did not see it that way.
The NBA is investigating the altercation, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Timberwolves are rejecting the notion that Simmons was a “peacemaker.” Referee Mark Ayotte told a pool reporter after the game that the officiating crew believed Simmons was trying to de-escalate the fight, but the T-Wolves are arguing that he put Towns in “a dangerous choke hold” on the floor.
Simmons told reporters after the game that he has “always got my teammate’s back,” so he did not specifically say he was trying to keep the peace. You can check out the video of him essentially making Towns tap out and decide for yourself.
Ben Simmons said “ I’m coming different this year, and i ain’t talking 3s “ lmaoo Made towns tap out pic.twitter.com/W1ej9au6Ue
— john (@Dat_dudejw) October 31, 2019
Towns threw a swing at Embiid before the two tangled up and went to the ground, and it’s possible both could be suspended. Simmons could also face disciplinary action, though it would be surprising if it is as severe as whatever punishment the NBA determines is warranted for Embiid and Towns.
Embiid and Towns, who have long had issues with one another, continued the latest installment of their feud on social media after the game.
