Tensions were evident early after an off-ball scuffle between Kings MVP candidate Kendric Davis and Phoenix rising star Owen Foxwell set the tone. <\/p>\n
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The flashpoint came later during a discussion over a call with referee Vaughan Mayberry. Sydney head coach Brian Goorjian, visibly frustrated, challenged the decision when Foxwell entered the conversation. Broadcast microphones then picked up Goorjian directing a profanity-laced outburst at the young guard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not talking to you b****, I\u2019m not talking to you, f*** you, f*** you, f*** you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Phoenix head coach Josh King did not hold back in his post-game assessment, labelling the exchange \u201cuncalled for\u201d and \u201cnot right\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cA guy that everybody looks up to in this league, and I\u2019m not trying to make headlines, but coach Goorjian telling one of our players \u2018F you\u2019 three times in a row is just uncalled for,\u201d King said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s surprising, given everything he\u2019s done in his career. That\u2019s very disappointing, and it\u2019s not right.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve coached around the world and I\u2019ve never seen that. As much as I don\u2019t like wearing a microphone during games, I\u2019m glad it picked that up, because that\u2019s uncalled for. Completely uncalled for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brian Goorjian\u2019s interaction with Phoenix guard Owen Foxwell.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
When asked about the incident, Goorjian defended his response, suggesting the exchange with Foxwell did not begin with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not going to go into what I said, but I know what he said to me and I\u2019m not going to repeat it,\u201d Goorjian said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went right back in his face. I\u2019ve been in this 40 years, I don\u2019t just start calling guys names.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was over by the bench telling me what to do in my space. My job is to protect my team. If he wants to go there, he\u2019s going to get a mouthful back.\u201d<\/p>\n
The alleged comments from Foxwell were not captured on the broadcast, but multiple sources close to the incident told Code Sports<\/a> that Foxwell allegedly told Goorjian to \u201cshut up and sit down\u201d, prompting the veteran coach\u2019s expletive-laden response<\/p>\n King acknowledged he did not hear what his player may have said, but stood by his stance based on what was recorded.<\/p>\n