Josh Smith and an unnamed Los Angeles Clippers coach engaged in a profanity-laced argument last night after the team’s home loss to the Toronto Raptors. Media members gathered for Doc Rivers’ post-game comments could hear the confrontation in the locker room through cement walls, according to a report from the Orange County Register.
Rivers declined to give specifics on the argument, instead saying this type of thing is normal after a defeat.
“It’s (like any) locker room after you lose and play like that. Guys are upset,” Rivers said. “That’s about it.”
J.J. Redick jokingly referred to the fracas as “loud noises” and also pointed to the drain losing games takes on a team.
“It’s because we’re losing,” Redick said. “Things happen during the game, and your frustration level increases or decreases based on the final result. It’s a level of toleration you have either with yourself of other people. …The end result dictates your mindset.”
Despite sky-high expectations, the Clippers have come out of the starting gate flat this year and sit with a middling 6-7 record. Smith specifically has been a non-factor, averaging 4.7 points per game in 15 minutes of action.
The forward signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum in the offseason.
While a clearing of air between a player and coach in late November isn’t an earth-rattling event, any problem is magnified when compared to the perfection taking place with Golden State.
[via Orange County Register]
from The Big Lead http://ift.tt/1NLg1Q7
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