Brooklyn Nets rookie Rodions Kurucs committed a flagrant 1 foul against Ben Simmons during Game 2 of the first round playoff series between the Nets and Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, and apparently there was a reason for it.
Kurucs explained after the game that he was insulted Simmons had referred to him as “the other kid” in an interview. Kurucs decided to send Simmons a message to make sure he knew who he was.
Rodions Kurucs was insulted Ben Simmons referred to him as "the other kid" in a media interview. Tonight, Kurucs picked up a technical foul for hitting Simmons while going for a rebound: " I want to let him know my name. I’ll play hard, I’ll go at him and I’m not scared of him."
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) April 16, 2019
If that sounds familiar, it’s the same thing we heard from Enes Kanter in the past when he got into LeBron James’ face. You have to love a guy who will stand up for himself like that.
Here is the play where Kurucs was called for the foul:
Replay Review (Game Crew): if foul committed by Kurucs met criteria for a flagrant foul in Q2 of #BKNatPHI. Ruling: Flagrant foul penalty 1 assessed to Kurucs for making unnecessary contact with Simmons. pic.twitter.com/Hr5UiZYEzC
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) April 16, 2019
Oh, and no disrespect to Kurucs, but he does have a difficult name to remember.
