Getty Images Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers earned a 122-119 victory over the Houston Rockets in Friday’s thrilling rematch. Last week the Clippers didn’t have their dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and lost to the Rockets 102-93.
In the final moments of Friday’s meeting, the Clippers were up by one when Russell Westbrook fouled on a play against George.
After the game was over, it was reported by Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell engaged in a heated confrontation with Westbrook’s younger brother, Raynard Westbrook. Raynard reportedly rushed the court and in result, was escorted out of the arena.
“He rushed the court,” a security official told Yahoo Sports. “He was in clear violation.”
After the game was over, as both teams were making their way to the locker room, Raynard and Harrell engaged in a back-and-forth heated argument. Westbrook then decided to escalate the confrontation and rush the court when officials blocked his path and asked him to leave.
“I ride for my team and my city,” Harrell told Yahoo Sports about the incident. “All I care about is who’s on my team. And we won. That’s all that matters.”
Russell Westbrook’s Bad Blood
GettyRussell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets.
Last game that the Clippers and Rockets played against each other a little drama was also invoked but this time by Russell Westbrook. After the Rockets defeated the Clippers and Patrick Beverley fouled out, Westbrook was asked in a post-game interview about Beverley’s defense.
“Pat Bev trick y’all, man, like he playing defense,” Westbrook said after the game. “He don’t guard nobody, man. He just running around, doing nothing.”
Per ESPN, the comments stopped there as Beverley wanted no part of the drama and told reporters, “Don’t start that, don’t start that. I don’t care about that.”
Beverley changed his mind though because tonight, both players continued their taunting and trash talk. At the end of the fourth when the Rockets desperately needed a three to gain a two-point lead, Westbrook bricked his shot. Beverley saw this as his chance to make fun of the Rockets star and mocked his shooting form. Westbrook shot back calling Beverley “trash.”
Russell Westbrook bricked a 3 towards the end of the game, which led to Patrick Beverley making fun of him and Westbrook calling him “trash” (h/t @WorldWideWob) t.co/zuyCrP3kIu
Clippers vs. Rockets
Getty Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers laughs with Kawhi Leonard #2 l
The Clippers made a statement late in the game as Leonard came out hot to tie the game up with 10:56 left, 86-86. After the Rockets answered back and gained another lead, Lou Williams came in to save the game and knocked down a three to cut the Rockets lead to one. With 15 seconds left, Leonard connected on a pull-up jumper to grab the final lead of the game, 120-119. Williams led the Clippers tonight with 26 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Trailing Williams was Leonard who tacked on 24 points, three assists and six rebounds.
James Harden led the Rockets with 37 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Westbrook followed Harden with 22 points, six points and 5 assists. The Clippers and the Rockets now boast the same record at 11-5. Next, the Clippers will go up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night at 6 p.m. PT.
READ NEXT: Jay-Z ‘Disappointed’ After Colin Kaepernick’s Workout Decision: Report