The LA Clippers' defensive specialist Kris Dunn was sent off the court in dramatic fashion during a recent matchup against the Lakers, marking another chapter in what has been a tumultuous season for the injury-plagued team. The incident, which unfolded during an NBA Cup game, saw Dunn ejected after pushing the ball into Luka Doncic's chest, escalating tensions between the two Western Conference rivals.
The Incident That Changed the Game
The altercation began when Doncic hit the deck hard after a play, then exchanged words with Dunn. What started as a verbal exchange quickly escalated when Dunn pushed the ball into Doncic's chest. The situation deteriorated further when
Jaxson Hayes shoved Dunn from behind, with both players ultimately facing ejection. Coaches rushed in to separate the players as the tension boiled over on the court.
This wasn't Dunn's first run-in with Lakers players this season. Earlier in November, he got into an altercation with multiple Lakers players that forced him to leave a game early, though he managed to post a season-high 19 points before departing.
Dunn's Role in a Decimated Clippers Roster
The 31-year-old guard has become an
unexpected cornerstone of the Clippers' lineup as the team grapples with significant injuries. With
Bradley Beal sidelined for the entire season due to a hip injury and
Kawhi Leonard dealing with ongoing ankle issues, Dunn has been thrust into a starting role despite limited offensive production.
This season, Dunn has averaged just
7.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds over 27.6 minutes in his last eight games. However, his true value lies on the defensive end, where he's been a
reliable perimeter anchor, averaging 1.4 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. His defensive prowess has made him indispensable to a Clippers team struggling to stay competitive amid their injury crisis.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Dunn's 2025-26 campaign has been marked by inconsistency on the offensive end. He's spent much of the season scoring in single digits, though he showed flashes of offensive capability with that 19-point outburst against the Lakers. His per-36 minutes averages of 11.6 points suggest he has more offensive potential than his limited playing time has allowed him to showcase.
The Clippers' front office has made it clear that Dunn will
remain in the starting lineup indefinitely given the team's injury situation, meaning his defensive contributions will continue to be crucial as Los Angeles tries to navigate a challenging season without two of its star players.
What's Next for the Clippers
With Dunn facing potential suspension or fines for his ejection, the Clippers will need to adjust their already thin rotation. The team's ability to stay competitive will depend heavily on how quickly Leonard can return to full health and whether the roster can maintain chemistry despite the constant shuffling caused by injuries.
For Dunn, the ejection serves as a reminder of the frustrations mounting within a team fighting against adversity. His role as a defensive specialist and stabilizing force will remain vital, but the Clippers need more offensive firepower if they hope to make a playoff push.
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1.
FOX Sports - Kris Dunn Player News2.
Bleacher Report - Kris Dunn Ejection Video3.
ESPN - Kris Dunn 2025-26 Stats
Sources
1. Kris Dunn News, Rumors, Updates - LA Clippers | FOX Sports
2. Kris Dunn Pushes Ball Into Luka Doncic & Gets Ejected - YouTube
3. Kris Dunn 2025-26 Stats per Game - NBA - ESPN
