The Top 100% Dirty Moments in NBA History

Have you ever witnessed a player in the NBA take things a bit too far on the court? The NBA has seen its fair share of dirty plays over the years, from hard fouls to intentional injuries. In this article, we will delve into the top 100% dirty moments in NBA history that left fans shocked and players outraged.

What Constitutes a Dirty Play in the NBA?

Before we dive into the list of dirty moments, let’s first establish what constitutes a dirty play in the NBA. A dirty play is any action taken by a player with the intent to harm or injure their opponent. This can include flagrant fouls, cheap shots, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct that goes beyond the normal physicality of the game.

The Top 10 Dirtiest Moments in NBA History

1. Kermit Washington Punch
   • In 1977, Kermit Washington of the Los Angeles Lakers threw a devastating punch to the face of Rudy Tomjanovich of the Houston Rockets. The punch resulted in multiple facial fractures for Tomjanovich and a lengthy suspension for Washington.
2. Zaza Pachulia’s Dangerous Closeout
   • During the 2017 NBA Playoffs, Zaza Pachulia of the Golden State Warriors was involved in a controversial play where he slid his foot under Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs while he was shooting a jump shot, causing Leonard to injure his ankle.
3. Dennis Rodman’s Infamous Trip
   • Known for his aggressive playing style, Dennis Rodman once tripped Shaquille O’Neal during a game, leading to a heated altercation between the two players.
4. Metta World Peace’s Elbow
   • Formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace infamously elbowed James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the head during a game, resulting in a suspension.
5. Bruce Bowen’s Reckless Defense
   • Bruce Bowen was notorious for his aggressive defensive tactics, which often led to accusations of dirty play. His habit of stepping under jump shooters earned him a reputation as a dirty player.
6. Dwight Howard’s Unnecessary Shove
   • In a game against the Toronto Raptors, Dwight Howard of the Houston Rockets shoved Masai Ujiri, the Raptors’ general manager, during a heated on-court altercation.
7. Robert Horry’s Hip Check
   • Robert Horry’s hip check on Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns during a playoff game resulted in a suspension for Horry and a heated rivalry between the two teams.
8. Draymond Green’s Groin Kick
   • Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors gained a reputation for his tendency to kick opponents in the groin, leading to multiple suspensions throughout his career.
9. Rajon Rondo’s Trip
   • Rajon Rondo once tripped Deron Williams of the Brooklyn Nets during a game, sparking controversy and accusations of dirty play.
10. John Stockton’s Subtle But Effective Tactics
    • Despite his clean-cut image, John Stockton was known for his subtle but effective dirty tactics on the court, such as sneaky elbows and trip attempts.

Conclusion

While the NBA is known for its fast-paced and physical style of play, there have been moments in history where players have crossed the line with dirty and unsportsmanlike behavior. From dangerous closeouts to intentional injuries, these dirty moments have left a stain on the reputation of the players involved. It is important for players to remember that while competitiveness is essential, sportsmanship should always come first.