Philadelphia’s Dwight Howard receives NBA title ring, ejected in same night

It was a night of ups and downs for Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard.

The good: He returned to the Staples Center Thursday night and earned his championship ring from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers last year on their journey through the NBA Finals. Also, the 76ers won the game, 109-101.

The bad: He didn't get to the second quarter and was ejected.

"I just thought it was a very selfish play," 76ers coach Doc Rivers said of Howard. "You got one tech, you can't get another one. We just have to have better discipline. I get it. I know there's a lot of emotion. But we had one center on our team, and he got thrown out. I was not very happy with that one. I know it's an emotional game. But he's a veteran. We got to have better discipline."

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Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, left, and Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard battle for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Photo: The Associated Press)

Howard and Lakers center Montrezl Harrell got tangled up just before the first quarter ended. Both were called for double technical fouls.

Then, after the quarter ended, Howard walked toward Harrell and bumped into him on purpose. Harrell pushed Howard away and the official stepped in right away and ejected Howard after giving him his second technical of the game.

"I don't know, honestly," Harrell said after the game when asked about the incident. "I don't even care to be real with you. I was just playing basketball, man."

Howard finished with six points with two rebounds in six minutes.

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