Nets’ Nash tossed for 1st time in coaching career

Nick Friedell is the Chicago Bulls beat reporter for ESPN Chicago. Friedell is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and joined ESPNChicago.com for its launch in April 2009.

MILWAUKEE — Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash was ejected for the first time in his coaching career during the third quarter of Wednesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Nash was frustrated with several calls throughout the night, but he boiled over with 4:24 left in the third after he thought the Bucks should have been called for an offensive foul on Nets swingman Royce O’Neale. After O’Neale fell to the floor, the officials let the sequence play out. The Nets ultimately got the rebound and started down the floor, but then Nash was whistled for a technical foul by Josh Tiven and lost his temper. The usually mild-mannered coach, in disbelief that he was called for a technical, launched into a heated disagreement.

Several players and coaches tried to hold Nash back as he continued arguing and was quickly called for his second technical and ejected.

Nets guard Kyrie Irving was one of several players who tried to calm Nash down and put his hands on his shoulders, but Nash walked off the floor while receiving support from players at the end of the bench. Nash’s players seemed to appreciate that their coach was sticking up for them.

Both star Kevin Durant and swingman Ben Simmons also received technical fouls earlier in the game, with the Nets frustrated at what they thought was an inconsistent whistle.

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