In a disturbing moment during Monday night's NBA preseason action, Detroit Pistons centre Jalen Duren found himself at the centre of controversy after delivering a vicious elbow to Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson's face.
Violent Collision Rocks Preseason Match
The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Pistons' 115-107 victory over the Rockets at Little Caesars Arena. As Thompson drove aggressively toward the basket, Duren responded with what appeared to be an intentional elbow strike that connected forcefully with the rookie's head.
Thompson immediately collapsed to the floor, clutching his face in obvious distress as medical staff rushed to his aid. The frightening scene left both teams and spectators in stunned silence.
Immediate Aftermath and Reactions
Following review, officials assessed Duren with a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in his immediate ejection from the game. The severity of the penalty underscores the dangerous nature of the contact.
"It's definitely concerning when you see a young player take that kind of hit to the head," commented one courtside observer. "The NBA has been trying to eliminate these types of dangerous plays from the game."
Thompson's Condition and Recovery
After several minutes on the court, Thompson managed to walk to the locker room under his own power, though visibly shaken by the impact. Rockets officials later confirmed he was being evaluated for a potential concussion and facial injuries.
The incident raises questions about player safety during preseason games, where teams typically exercise caution with their roster assets.
Potential League Consequences
NBA authorities are expected to review the play further, with possible additional sanctions against Duren looming. The league has taken a strong stance against excessive contact in recent years, particularly blows to the head area.
This incident serves as an early test of the league's commitment to player safety as the new season approaches.
