Wizards big man Nene hates the Chicago Bulls, and that dislike was on display once again during Washington’s Tuesday night loss.
Nene whacked Joakim Noah in the face as Noah came down the lane, but other than directing some choice words in Nene’s direction, Noah was able to contain his emotions.
Afterward, Noah explained how that was possible.
“It’s part of the process, and I really don’t know what to say right now,” Noah said. “But I’m just happy we won, and I’m happy I kept my composure. Just trying to put out a video a couple hours before the game [through his foundation] about non-violence. And trying to teach these kids [about the] big picture. You know what I mean? So it wouldn’t have been a good look, not today. Not today. But I’m really, really proud of this team and the way we stepped up tonight.”
Retaliating in the NBA physically simply gets you fined or suspended, and with the Bulls already playing shorthanded because of injuries to Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, Noah ultimately did what was best.
The flagrant foul, along with Noah’s comments, can be seen in the video clip above (via CSN Chicago).The video Noah was referring to can be seen here.