Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren was ejected from Friday night's NBA game in Houston for elbowing Rockets guard Amen Thompson in the head.
It happened with 6:29 remaining in the second quarter with the Pistons holding a 43-40 lead. The foul happened away from the ball with Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins dribbling outside the three point line. Thompson was defending Duren at the top of the 3-point arc when Duren made a move towards the basket. As he made the move, he wound up his left arm and elbowed Thompson in the head as he went past him.
Jalen Duren has been ejected for this elbow on Amen Thompson.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 25, 2025
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Duren apparently thought he could get away with it, but he was called for a flagrant foul type 2 (a.k.a. flagrant 2), leading to his ejection. Elbowing an opponent in the face is a guaranteed technical foul, but the officials deemed that Duren's actions were intentional.
Thompson needed some time to recover, but stayed in the game. Thompson is no stranger to excess physical contact, but this time he was on the receiving end.
Duren finished with 6 points and 6 rebounds in 12 minutes of game action, but the Pistons overcame his absence and beat the Rockets 115-111 for their first win of the season.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
