Harrell apologizes to Luka for remarks toward him in Game 3
Los Angeles Clippers reserve Montrezl Harrell apologized to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic prior to Game 4 for his actions toward the Slovenian during the previous matchup.
Montrezl Harrell apologized to Luka Doncic pregame for comments he made about Doncic in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/L9Ej5I3AmO
— ESPN (@espn) August 23, 2020
Harrell appeared to direct a racially sensitive remark to Doncic as he ran back on defense after making a basket in Game 3. Shortly after, Doncic bumped into Harrell and stared him down.
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and the NBA have since spoken to Harrell about the incident, a league spokesman told Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.
"You just have to be careful," Rivers told Mannix. "They both were talking. I don't think Luka was saying anything racial, but he was swearing. So they both were doing it. It's an emotional game. It's a playground game out there in the playoffs.
"I said to (Harrell), 'Hey, I don't think you meant anything racially by it.' He said 'white boy,' but I don't think there was anything racial intended. But we are in a very heightened climate and you have to be careful. Trez was the first one to say that. He said, 'I didn't mean that racially.' And I said it doesn't matter. It's what's perceived ... make sure you do the right thing."