Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka voiced his thoughts on the suspension of Amen Thompson, calling the two-game penalty “odd.” Thompson, 21, was handed the suspension by the NBA after an altercation during the final moments of the Rockets’ recent loss to the Miami Heat.

The incident began during an in-bounds play when Thompson aggressively brought Heat guard Tyler Herro to the ground while defending. What followed was a heated exchange that escalated tensions on the court, resulting in disciplinary actions from the league.

While Udoka was not surprised by the suspension, he questioned the severity of the punishment, stating, “To be suspended that much for not throwing a punch is kind of odd to me,” according to a tweet from ClutchFans.

Thompson wasn’t the only player involved in the altercation. Heat guard Terry Rozier, who also played a role in the fracas, received a one-game suspension. However, neither Herro nor Rockets’ guard Jalen Green were suspended but were fined for their involvement in the incident.

Despite the suspension, the Rockets managed to secure a 110-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson’s absence didn’t seem to affect the team’s performance, highlighting the strength of their roster.

Thompson has been averaging 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in 27.8 minutes this season. His all-around contributions have played a role in Houston’s rise to third place in the Western Conference with a 22-11 record.