Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni accused L.A. Clippers forward Blake Griffin of making contact with him prior to a heated exchange that saw both coach and player get a technical foul each for it, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“You mean after he hit me? I didn’t appreciate it,” D’Antoni said after he was asked about the incident.
D’Antoni argued with an official about a missed goaltending call on the prior possession when Griffin made contact with him. Griffin was fouled seconds later and approached D’Antoni, exchanging some harsh words (expletives included) with the Rockets coach.
“Well, after he said what he said, I said the same thing back,” Griffin said in his own defense.
D’Antoni didn’t elaborate on the contact made by the Clippers forward, but made sure to mention it, so that it didn’t go ignored — making no excuses for his team’s loss, which snapped a three-game win streak without star guard James Harden.
“I’m not going to get into it,” D’Antoni said after twice mentioning that Griffin hit him. “It’s no big deal. Really, it’s no big deal. We just didn’t play well tonight.”
His starting point guard Chris Paul, who was allegedly involved in a fiasco of his own; didn’t hesitate to give his two cents in the situation.
“Coach told me he elbowed him,” Paul said. “Then I seen him talking crazy to coach, so I’m always going to have coach’s back.”
Paul had some of his own words for his ex-teammate Griffin, some which he couldn’t remember at the time.
“Whatever it was, I’m sure my mama is going to tell me to watch my mouth.”
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