On Sunday, April 6, NBA followers had been in for a deal with when the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors confronted off in a heated western convention recreation simply earlier than the playoffs. However it was what occurred between Warriors’ star Steph Curry and Rockets’ head coach Ime Udoka throughout halftime that has the web speaking — and dragging their respective ladies into the drama.
As seen in a number of movies on-line, after the primary half of the sport — which obtained a bit bodily from each groups — Curry might be seen exchanging phrases with Udoka as they headed to their locker rooms. Whereas the parents at dwelling couldn’t hear precisely what was mentioned, based mostly off their facial expressions, physique language, and safety guards making an attempt to maintain them aside, it’s clear that no matter was mentioned wasn’t type.
Fortunately, viewers would get some kind of readability throughout Curry’s post-game interview — however it will be at his personal spouse Ayesha’s expense. When requested concerning the heated trade, the four-time NBA champion stored it cool and comical, telling the press that the ordeal needed to do with Udoka’s reservation at his spouse’s restaurant Worldwide Smoke he ended up cancelling.
His response prompted a direct response from his teammate Draymond Inexperienced who couldn’t assist however chuckle at his reply which subsequently induced Curry to interrupt and chuckle it off as nicely.
In the meantime, the vibes had been completely completely different with Udoka throughout his post-game interview. Whereas speaking about his workforce’s 106-96 victory, he was finally pressed concerning the verbal spat with Curry and he didn’t mince phrases.
“When folks begin complaining about foul calls or crying about physicality, you’ve accomplished your job,” Udoka mentioned to The Athletic. “That’s step one in successful the battle. So I instructed my workforce, ‘When this workforce begins crying about it, up the depth, up the aggressiveness, and make the refs alter to you.’ ”
He later added:
“I used to be speaking to my workforce concerning the physicality. That is the kind of recreation we like. That is who we’re. He mentioned one thing. I mentioned one thing. Just a little pleasant banter.”
Due to his demeanor and reply, people on-line began crediting his ruthlessness in teaching to his cut up from his former associate, Nia Lengthy. “The Root” beforehand reported how the couple determined to go their separate methods again in December 2022 after 13 years collectively. Whereas neither of them has had any harsh phrases in direction of the opposite, issues between them soured due to Udoka’s infidelity and the way that second affected their household.
Nonetheless, followers on the web really feel that the cut up was the very best factor that might’ve occurred to him and for the Rockets workforce.
“Ime Udoka dishonest on Nia Lengthy was one of many biggest issues to occur to this franchise. I totally imagine we [aren’t] what we’re at this time with out Ime. He instilled a canine mentality and toughness in us,” wrote one consumer on X.
Nonetheless, others weren’t so keen on Udoka’s phrases.
“Ime Udoka was by no means a ok participant to be speaking as reckless as he has been. Add to that, the general public embarrassment of fumbling Nia Lengthy,” mentioned one other. “Bro ought to actually simply be quiet out right here.”