Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin was ejected Thursday for hitting the Chicago Bulls' Taj Gibson across the head.
After review, Griffin was assessed a flagrant-2, which means officials deemed his actions as "unnecessary and excessive contact."
The context behind the play likely factored into determining Griffin's ejection. Earlier on the same play, Gibson struck Griffin with an elbow as he was establishing post position. That made identifying Griffin's naked attempt at retaliation an easy determination.
An automatic one-game suspension is customary with flagrant-2 fouls, but the NBA has the opportunity to retract the foul upon review. A decision on Griffin will likely be made Friday.
Griffin exited the game as the Clippers' leading scorer, with 18 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes.
It's his second ejection of the year after receiving two flagrant fouls against the Phoenix Suns after bickering for whistles.