Report: Clippers, Warriors engaged in hallway altercation following Game 7

The Los Angeles Clippers-Golden State Warriors rivalry is turning into one of the modern NBA's fiercest.

After two seasons of genuine dislike and bad blood, you knew their first-round series was going to be heated. But even after the Clippers took Game 7 and eliminated the Warriors on Saturday night, the tension reportedly carried over into the tunnel at the Staples Center.

Per USA Today:

According to three people with knowledge of the situation, the teams that went back and forth in a brilliant Game 7 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night (a 126-121 Clippers win) followed the on-court action by engaging in a heated verbal back-and-forth in the tunnel that connects the locker rooms at Staples Center. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

The incident came in two waves, with most of the Warriors in the hallway at one point along with several Clippers. The police were called to assist, though it's not believed any punches were thrown.

Marreese Speights was apparently "among the aggressors," while Chris Paul played the role of an "irritant" as his presence revived the altercation as it appeared to be dying down. Also involved were Matt Barnes and Glen Davis from the Clippers, and Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Curry, and Steve Blake from the Warriors.

Golden State's coaches, including Mark Jackson, also stepped into the tunnel once the situation escalated.

According to the report, the incident stemmed from the Clippers celebrating in the hallway, not far from where the Warriors were coming to terms with the fact their season was over. "Choice words" from unknown sources sparked some rage in the Warriors, and a loud remark, into the visitors' locker room prompted several players and coaches to come out.

It should be an eventful contest when the two franchises meet for the first time in the 2014-15 season.