NBA Suspends James Harden for Kicking LeBron James in Groin

March 3, 2015 1:19 AM EST

The NBA announced Monday that Houston Rockets guard James Harden will be suspended for one game without pay for kicking Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James in the groin during Sunday’s game.

During the third quarter, Harden fell to the ground during a tussle for the ball and appears to have lifted his foot to give James a little kick below the belt. James was incensed and had a few words for Harden during the altercation.

After the game, Harden said the kick was unintentional and he didn’t think he would be suspended.

James Harden, wearing black hat, called his kick "just a reaction.". Says "they called a flagrant and we moved on." Doesn't fear discipline.
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) March 2, 2015

Naturally, James’ teammates had a different reaction

Number of #Cavs players upset James Harden wasn't ejected for his groin kick on LeBron. "I thought it was a dirty play," JR Smith said.
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) March 2, 2015

James Jones on the Harden flagrant: "It was an intentional groin kick ... It was an intentional kick to a troublesome area"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 2, 2015

The suspension comes at an unfortunate time for Houston as they must travel to face the Atlanta Hawks, the league’s leader in wins, on Tuesday.

James Harden is in the middle of an outstanding season; he leads the league in scoring and is a front runner for the Most Valuable Player award. LeBron James is probably professional basketball’s most recognizable star and is widely considered to be the best player in the world.

NBA Suspends James Harden for Kicking LeBron James in the Groin

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