Grayson Allen: Flagrant Foul | Flagrant 2 | ESPN | Points Tonight — A Comprehensive Breakdown
Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen was at the center of a heated NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 10, 2025 when he was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game. The decision, which came as Allen shoved Thunder center Chet Holmgren to the floor, was widely discussed across ESPN commentary, NBA analysts, and fans alike. In this in-depth article, we explore the moment, what it means, Allen’s points tonight, his career and reputation, and what ESPN and league figures are saying.
What Happened Tonight — Game Recap & Ejection
During the Suns’ tough loss to the Thunder in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, tensions reached a breaking point early in the second half. With Oklahoma City leading 94-58 and the Suns struggling, Allen became involved in a physical altercation with Holmgren. Allen extended his arms, knocking Holmgren to the floor in a pressing physical exchange while Holmgren was setting a screen. The play was reviewed by officials who upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, resulting in Allen’s immediate ejection from the game.
Allen finished the night with 10 points, shooting 3-for-9 from the field before leaving the game.
The Thunder went on to win convincingly, 138-89, advancing to the semifinals.
Understanding Flagrant Fouls in the NBA
The NBA has clear rules on flagrant fouls, designed to protect player safety and discourage dangerous contact:
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Flagrant 1 foul — unnecessary contact but not severe enough for an ejection.
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Flagrant 2 foul — unnecessary and excessive contact that warrants immediate ejection.
In Allen’s case, the officials determined that his actions fell into the latter category. By squeezing his arms into Holmgren and knocking him to the floor, the league judged the play as more than just competitive physicality. This triggered the automatic removal from the game under NBA rules.
Allen’s NBA Points Tonight — Breaking Down the Numbers
Despite the controversy, Allen still contributed offensively before his exit:
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Points: 10
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Field Goals: 3-for-9
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Assists: 4
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Rebounds: 1
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Steals: 1
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+/-: –41 (reflecting overall team performance)
These stats reflect an uneven night for Allen, who struggled to find rhythm early and mid-game before the flagrant incident overshadowed his performance.
History of Flagrant Fouls and Allen’s Reputation
Grayson Allen has had a complicated reputation throughout his career. During his time at Duke and early NBA years, Allen was often criticized for aggressive play, including tripping opponents that led to a one-game suspension in college.
In the NBA, Allen had a previous ejection in 2019 Summer League play after receiving two flagrant fouls in quick succession.
Perhaps most notably, while with the Milwaukee Bucks, Allen was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul on Bulls guard Alex Caruso in 2022, resulting in his ejection and, later, a one-game suspension by the league.
These incidents — though infrequent — have contributed to ongoing debates about Allen’s playing style and threshold for physicality on the court.
ESPN & Media Reaction — What Analysts Are Saying
Following the ejection, ESPN and sports media outlets offered varied perspectives:
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ESPN News Services highlighted the shove on Holmgren and its impact on the game’s flow.
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Commentators stressed the Suns’ inability to compete effectively once Allen was removed.
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Analysts dissected whether the contact merited Flagrant 2 status, debating if it was excessive or part of hard-nosed competitive play.
Opinions remain split, with some emphasizing player safety and others pointing to the context of physical basketball late in a lopsided game.
Impact on the Suns & Allen’s Role Moving Forward
The Suns faced a blow not only in the immediate game but potentially in future rotations:
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Loss of minutes and offensive contribution from Allen tonight.
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Momentum shift for the Thunder, who dominated the quarterfinal.
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Possible league review for additional discipline, depending on how the NBA interprets the severity of the contact (ejections can sometimes lead to fines or suspensions depending on context, though not automatically).
Head Coach and team representatives will likely face questions about Allen’s decision to engage physically, particularly in a game already tilted strongly in the Thunder’s favor.
How Flagrant Fouls Affect NBA Strategy
Flagrant fouls do more than eject a player — they can change how teams approach defense and game flow:
✔ Less aggressive screens and close contact defense
✔ Players on thin ice may be benched earlier
✔ Coaches emphasize discipline over revenge fouls
Allen’s situation serves as a reminder: a single moment of excess contact can shift not just a game, but a player’s standing with officials and the league.
ESPN Coverage: Where to Watch Highlights & Analysis
For fans wanting to watch the incident and follow expert breakdowns:
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ESPN’s NBA coverage includes replay footage and commentary immediately after the game.
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The official NBA YouTube account and ESPN channels regularly post highlight clips of key moments like the ejection.
These platforms offer visual context for what unfolded — crucial for understanding how officials interpreted the contact.
Key Takeaways
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Allen was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul after shoving Chet Holmgren, ending his night early.
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He scored 10 points tonight, showing effort before the incident.
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Flagrant 2 fouls carry automatic ejection due to the severity of contact.
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The Suns suffered a 138-89 loss after the incident.
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Allen’s past flagrant fouls contribute to ongoing debates about his play style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a Flagrant 2 foul in the NBA?
A Flagrant 2 foul is unnecessary and excessive contact against an opponent that results in the player’s immediate ejection.
Q2: Why was Grayson Allen ejected from tonight’s game?
Allen was ejected after shoving Thunder center Chet Holmgren to the floor, a play reviewed and upgraded to a Flagrant 2.
Q3: How many points did Allen score tonight?
Allen scored 10 points before his ejection, shooting 3-for-9.
Q4: Has Grayson Allen been ejected before?
Yes — Allen was ejected in a 2019 Summer League game after two flagrant fouls and had other controversial fouls in his career.
Q5: Will Allen face further suspension?
NBA review decisions vary. A Flagrant 2 doesn’t always mean suspension, but repeated incidents can increase scrutiny. (Current status pending league decision.)
