Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets, leaves arena following halftime confrontation

Houston Rockets point guard Kevin Porter Jr. After a heated discussion at halftime, he lost his temper and left the court. He was leaving the Toyota Center in the second half Saturday's 124-111 defeat to the Toronto Raptors. Denver NuggetsSources told ESPN

Porter became upset when John Lucas, the assistant coach, challenged his behavior. This was a problem that caused Porter to lose his composure while on the bench during the first period, according to sources.

The Rockets were trailing 77 to 55 at halftime in their seventh consecutive loss and did not return the court until just before the start of the third quarter.

Stephen Silas, Rockets head coach, stated that they had a heated debate during his postgame media conference. “I have certain requirements of this team regarding playing hard. … I was not satisfied with the effort.”

The Rockets made it clear that Porter was not able to return after his left leg was examined by the team. Porter has been suffering for weeks from a left thigh concussion, which caused him to miss many games. But, that wasn't the problem that made him absent after halftime.

During his postgame comments, Silas didn't mention Porter.

Center/power forward Christian WoodSilas explained that the Rockets' leading scorer for this season, Wood, didn't start Saturday night because of a team rule. Wood was scoreless for eight minutes during the first half. Houston was outscored 17 times. Wood did not participate in the second half.

Silas said that Wood sat out the second half because of Coach's decision.

According to a source, Porter is still subject to potential discipline.

The Cleveland CavaliersPorter was inactive at the start of the 2020-21 season after the Rockets traded him to them for a top 55-protected second round pick. Porter was not available for trade or release. Porter, the No. After a row with Porter about the relocation of his locker from a section of the locker room, the Cavaliers selected him as the No. 30 overall draft pick.

Houston sent Porter, 21, to its G League affiliate for help in his transition to Houston. Porter was then moved to the Rockets' point guard position. Porter, 21 years old, has enjoyed some success in Houston. He averaged 15.0 points per game and 6.1 assists over the past two seasons.