Close
ArizonaSports.com
Shows
Teams
Special Sections
Arizona Sports

PHOENIX SUNS

Cam Payne ejected after scuffle with Alex Caruso and Montrezl Harrell

May 23, 2021, 2:52 PM | Updated: 9:48 pm

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)...

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Arizona Sports's Profile Picture

BY ARIZONA SPORTS


Emotions ran high in the fourth quarter of the Phoenix Suns 99-90 win over the Los Angeles Lakers as Cam Payne was issued two technical fouls on one play involving Alex Caruso and Montrezl Harrell.

The play stemmed off a rebound where Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was tangled with Chris Paul while fighting for a rebound.

The ball bounced off to the near wing and a scuffle ensued while Payne and Caruso battled for the loose ball.

Payne was ejected as a result of the play after referees assessed him two technical fouls — presumably one for shoving Caruso and throwing the ball at him seconds later. He finished the night with five points, three rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes.

RELATED STORIES

He was a primary reserve for the Suns as Paul was in and out of the lineup dealing with a shoulder injury suffered in the second quarter.

Caruso and Harrell were both served technical fouls. Harrell charged into the scene after Payne was seen throwing the ball at Caruso.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, forward Anthony Davis, second from left, and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, left, sit on the bench during a timeout during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, battles with Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, for a loose ball during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) argues with referee Rodney Mott (71) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) throws the basketball at Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) behind referee Bill Kennedy, right, during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) A Phoenix Suns fan cheers on his team during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, right, goes out to talk with Suns forward Jae Crowder, left, who smiles after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, right, is pulled away from an on-court shoving match by teammate Dario Saric, middle, during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, loses the ball as Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and Suns forward Jae Crowder, right, defend during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. T (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, battles with Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, for a loose ball during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, right, leaps into the crowd to get a loose ball as Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) looks on during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma pauses on the court after causing a turnover during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns talks with Devin Booker #1 and Jae Crowder #99 during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a three-point shot over Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against Anthony Davis #3 and Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns stand attended for the national anthem during Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Fans in attendance during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns rush for a loose ball during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot over Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Montrezl Harrell #15, Alex Caruso #4 and Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers come together with Dario Saric #20, Cameron Payne #15 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns in an altercation during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Twitter photo/@KellanOlson) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns is looked at by team trainers after an injury during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns falls to the floor after an injury during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers jump for the opening tip-off during Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot over Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot over Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) scores against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99), forward Mikal Bridges, second from right, and center Deandre Ayton, right, during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: General manager James Jones of the Phoenix Suns watches warm-ups to Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Fans gather outside of Phoenix Suns Arena before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Fans gather outside of Phoenix Suns Arena before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: General managers Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers and James Jones of the Phoenix Suns talk before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns

Head Coach Mike Budenholzer...

Arizona Sports

Report: Suns, head coach Mike Budenholzer agree to 5-year contract

The Suns and head coach Mike Budenholzer agreed to terms on a five-year contract, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. 

4 hours ago

Head coach Mike Budenholzer is reportedly taking the Phoenix Suns' head-coaching job. (Photo by Ali...

Damon Allred

Does reported Suns coach Mike Budenholzer have an adjusting problem?

Mike Budenholzer, who will reportedly take over as Phoenix Suns head coach, may have an issue with adjustments, depending on who you ask.

7 hours ago

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz at Fiser...

Dan Bickley

Suns do right by firing Frank Vogel, bringing in Mike Budenholzer

If Mike Budenholzer somehow steers this pricey, finicky team to a championship, he will become a fairy tale, a legitimate hometown hero. 

8 hours ago

Head coach Mike Budenholzer (R) speaks with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 in a game against the Philade...

Kellan Olson

Mike Budenholzer’s pedigree a match for Suns. Is his accountability?

The Phoenix Suns got the right guy for the job in Mike Budenholzer, as long as he can get through to the locker room.

8 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Will Mike Budenholzer bring the culture the Phoenix Suns need?

Will Mike Budenholzer bring the culture the Phoenix Suns need? Wolf & Luke discuss.

8 hours ago

Head Coach Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks calls out a play during the first half of the ga...

Damon Allred

Mike Budenholzer’s Arizona roots and Suns love instilled confidence in his craft

Mike Budenholzer's small-town roots in northeast Arizona helped him become the self-assured basketball coach he is now.

10 hours ago

Cam Payne ejected after scuffle with Alex Caruso and Montrezl Harrell