Much maligned Pelicans big man DeMarcus Cousins headed to the showers early Monday after getting ejected for a vicious hit on Thunder guard Russell Westbrook.

Cousins, after grabbing a rebound, ripped his elbow to the side, connecting with a hovering Westbrook. Cousins appeared to be frustrated with Westbrook's presence, which led him to flail his elbow at the reigning MVP.

DeMarcus Cousins got ejected for this elbow on Russ ?

was it the right call?#DoItBig pic.twitter.com/gutcZElTMS

— TBN (@TBNMedia) November 21, 2017

After review, Cousins was handed a Flagrant-2 foul. He had 18 points and nine rebounds before his early exit.

No stranger to league punishment, Cousins could face a fine for his actions if the league deems the play excessive.