NBA stars forced to be separated after a verbal clash.
Oklahoma City centre Kendrick Perkins and Chicago Bulls star Joakim Noah exchanged heated words inside the Thunder’s locker room after their game on Thursday night.
The Thunder handed the Bulls their fourth straight loss with the 107-95 result causing tension behind-the scenes after the game.
Thunder player Thabo Sefolosha went to the Bulls’ change room after the game to speak to former teammate Noah, who then followed the Oklahoma guard back to his locker-room.
The room was still full of reporters waiting to interview Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, when Perkins objected to Noah being in their inner sanctum.
The following conversation was caught on a dictaphone from a reporter in the room at the time.
Perkins: “They just let anybody in the locker room?”
Noah: “C’mon man.”
Perkins: “I’m just asking though.”
Noah: “C’mon man.”
Perkins: “Just let anybody in the locker room now?”
Noah: “You want me to wait outside?”
Perkins: “I’m just saying, though.”
Noah: “If you want me to wait outside, I’ll wait outside.”
Perkins: “Get your ass up outta here.”
Noah: “Aight.”
The players also crossed paths outside of the locker room but the incident did not escalate any further than what was seen my dozens of people.
The Bulls have an open policy when it comes to former players being inside their change rooms after games, and while it has not been stated publically, it appears that is not the same case with the Thunder.
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