Blood was shed just a few minutes into Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
About a minute and a half into the first quarter, with the game tied at 2-2, referee Scott Foster was forced to pause the action to stop his nose from gushing blood after he was whacked in the face by Thunder player Lu Dort.
The hit was completely accidental and occurred as Dort went to win a jump ball against Timberwolves big man Julius Randle. After whiffing on the ball due to Randle getting a mitt on it, Dort's hand came flying down into the face of Foster, whose nose happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and immediately started bleeding.
Fortunately, Foster was able to return after seeking medical attention, and the game continued. However, Foster may be getting picked on in his NBA referee group message, as ESPN's rules official Steve Javie made sure to poke some fun at him following the incident.
"I've never seen it this early in the game," Javie said. "And you're right. Scott will be razzed on this that he can't take a punch. That's for sure."
Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5).
Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5).
Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
Heading into Thursday night, the Thunder held a 1-0 series lead after blowing out the Timberwolves by a score of 114-88 in the first game.
Although the Timberwolves may be coming into Thursday a bit more motivated as their room for error shrinks, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have some extra motivation after being presented with his MVP trophy before the game.
Following Thursday's game, the series will resume on Saturday as the teams will head to Minnesota for the next two.