Harden: Barnes' profane remark 'disrespectful'
LOS ANGELES – James Harden said the profane remark made by Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes to Harden’s mother was “disrespectful,” but the Houston Rockets guard is moving on to Friday’s Game 3 of the Western Conference series that’s tied 1-1.
“In any situation when you’re talking about somebody’s parents it’s disrespectful,” Harden said Friday morning. “I’m focused on Game 3 and we’re focused and locked in. It’s going to be some great intensity tonight. “
During Game 2, Barnes, who had been exchanging words with fans throughout the series, made a profane remark toward Harden’s mother.
TMZ Sports reported Barnes apologized to Harden’s mother, Monja Willis, after some prompting from one of her sons.
“I’m not really focused (on the apology),” Harden said. “I’m focused on Game 3 and it’s about competing and getting a victory out on the road.”
The Barnes issue could be seen as something to invigorate a Rockets team that’s had trouble with some energy in the series. Harden, who leads the Rockets in scoring, could also find a little extra motivation, given what Barnes said and that he’s playing a playoff game in his hometown.
“I think it does, definitely for that individual,” Rockets forward Josh Smith said. “I know how I would be if someone said something to one of my loved ones. Everybody is focused and we understand what it takes now in order to compete and it should be a dog fight from here on out.”
Smith dismissed the notion the Rockets would target Barnes with hard fouls. The series has been hampered with numerous fouls called on both teams, but nothing that would be considered dirty.
“It’s the second round and players will do whatever it takes to get individuals out of their element and we understand,” Smith said. “We’re focused and we don’t care about anything but winning the basketball game. We’re not focused on verbal words. On the court, we can’t do anything. You do anything you’re going to get suspended and nobody wants to lose money, it’s all about staying focused and channeling that energy into something positive than something negative.”
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