D’Angelo Russell, Jose Alvarado hit with technicals for heated moment

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham points at New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) after a play involving guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the first half of a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.

Tempers were flaring early during the NBA Play-In Tournament matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Pelicans led 31-26 over the Lakers with a minute to play in the first quarter. Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell and Pelicans backup Jose Alvarado were seen getting physical as the former was trying to get himself open to receive a pass.

Alvarado was called for a foul on the play. During the dead ball, Alvarado nudged Russell and got called for a technical foul. Russell got whistled for a technical of his own seconds later for taunting Alvarado.

The Pelicans fans in attendance didn’t seem to mind that Alvarado instigated some beef on the court. The Smoothie King Center crowd showered Alvarado with “Jose” chants after the altercation.

Alvarado’s agitation didn’t seem to bother Russell that much. The Lakers guard tied LeBron James with a team-high 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting at the half. Alvarado went scoreless with one assist in six minutes played.

The Lakers led the Pels, 60-50, at the break.

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