NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Hornets All-Star forward David West was ejected after a hard foul from behind on Mike Miller late in the second quarter of New Orleans' home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
West appeared upset that no foul was called on the other end of the court seconds earlier, when he appeared to be hit and turned the ball over, leading to a fastbreak by Minnesota.Miller was driving to the hoop when West chopped his right arm down over Miller's right shoulder from behind, catching Miller in the face with a forearm. Miller dropped to the floor and remained down for several seconds. He remained in with no apparent injury.
West was called for a flagrant-2 foul, which carries an automatic ejection. The play also will be reviewed by the league and could result in a suspension. West had nine points and two rebounds before he was thrown out with 1:53 to go in the first half, when New Orleans trailed 48-43.
West's ejection was yet another blow to a depleted Hornets squad which came in already missing All-Star point guard Chris Paul (groin) and starting center Tyson Chandler (ankle).
