Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Suspended One-Game for Saturday's Altercation vs. Jazz's Kris Dunn

Jabari Smith Jr. and Kris Dunn received suspensions during their altercation in Saturday conference match between the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz.

HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. received a one-game suspension following his involvement in Saturday's altercation with Utah Jazz's guard Kris Dunn, who received two games for initiating the fight.

Smith and Dunn got involved in a skirmish at the start of the second quarter. They got tangled up while the ball was being brought up the court, leading to both players pushing and throwing punches.
Neither punch connected. However, Smith and Dunn received technical fouls for fighting and were ejected.

Despite the loss of Smith, the Rockets held on to win their eighth consecutive game amid a 147-119 win over the Jazz. Houston is now 35-35 while coming within two games of the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final spot for the NBA's Western Conference Play-In Tournament.

Kris Dunn, Jabari Smith Jr., John Butler

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"For me, I take responsibility for my actions, and whatever the league decides for me, I have to respect that," Dunn said. "To be honest, we just exchanged a couple of words and had a couple of pushes. Next thing you know, we are ejected."

Coach Ime Udoka credited the dispute due to an early season altercation Smith and Dunn had during the Rockets' overtime victory against the Jazz on Jan. 20. The conflict featured both players exchanging words and receiving a tech, respectively. However, their previous skirmish did not escalate.

The Rockets will have to rely upon Jeff Green's and Jock Landale's services in Smith's absence Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Smith has averaged 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 65 games this season.