Ex-Rocket Maxwell offers to pay Thompson's fine for brawl vs. Heat

Amen Thompson could have some assistance paying off any fines he receives for his involvement in the fight that broke out late in the Houston Rockets' 104-100 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday.

Former Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell, who won back-to-back NBA titles with Houston in 1994 and 1995, praised Thompson's actions on X and offered to cover his potential fine.

Thompson got into a scuffle with Tyler Herro in the final minute of the game, grabbing the Heat guard by the jersey and throwing him to the ground. Both players were ejected along with four others, including Rockets head coach Ime Udoka.

Maxwell was no stranger to penalties during his playing days. In 1995, he was suspended 10 games and fined $20,000 - the highest in NBA history at the time - for going into the stands and punching a heckler during a road game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Thompson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, is averaging 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists through 32 games this season.