Why were Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels ejected? Explaining scuffle in Knicks-Hawks Game 6

Fireworks erupted partway through the Knicks and Hawks' Game 6 tilt, resulting in two ejections and one memorable image.

Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels were at the center of the melee. The latter appeared to be the instigator, seemingly attempting to injure his counterpart after New York unleashed a barrage of baskets on a weary Atlanta squad.

No punches were thrown in the scuffle, which subsided in little more than a minute. Nevertheless, the damage was done, as both Robinson and Daniels were ejected with half the game still to play.

Here's what you need to know.

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Why were Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels ejected?

Robinson and Daniels locked horns with a little less than five minutes left in the second quarter. With the Knicks leading 72-22, the incident began after Robinson and Daniels lined up next to each other during O.G. Anunoby’s free throw routine. Daniels appeared to instigate the contact, yanking down on Robinson’s arm as they went up the floor. Robinson was not pleased with the Australian’s actions, locking Daniels in a bear hug as players from both New York and Atlanta rushed in.

The two were quickly separated, though Robinson continued to go after Daniels, sending a referee and a security guard to the floor.

Video review showed Daniels also swung an elbow into Robinson’s rib cage. Robinson was initially assessed a loose-ball foul for his role in the incident. After replay review, officials upgraded the situation to double technicals on both players, resulting in their ejections.

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Knicks-Hawks scuffle

Here's a look at New York and Atlanta's brawl in Game 6.

Will Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels be suspended?

While there was a lot of huffing and puffing during Robinson and Daniels' spat, it seems unlikely that the Robinson will get banned. He was certainly upset with Daniels' actions. However, he didn't do anything particularly egregious.

Daniels' position might be a little more precarious, however. Barring an otherworldly comeback, his season will be over, so punishment might have to wait. However, his decision to rip his elbow into Robinson's mid-section and pull Robinson's arm down could be seen as putting an opponent in danger.

If the league finds that Daniels deliberately attempted to injure Robinson, a ban or fine could be waiting for him at the start of next season.