Derrick McKey immediately stepped up and pushed Malone away, with more and more people getting involved in the scuffle, nearly sparking another conflict.
The animosity between the two sides intensified, and the physicality of the game increased. The more intense the play, the thicker the air with aggression, trapping the game in an inescapable cycle.
The nature of the game changed, this regular season game started to resemble a playoff.
Beyond scoring, the court was filled with scenes of players tumbling over and mutual cursing.
Until the ninth minute of the fourth quarter, the fierce confrontations and the tense situation showed no signs of abating.
In the fourth quarter, Roger's shooting touch began to falter amidst the intense confrontations and strenuous defense.