“If they want to give me a technical (foul), they can give me a technical. He tells me what he said, I’m coming right back at him. I didn’t think there was a place for that. I wasn’t talking to the referee. He didn’t do anything when he went at me, and I don’t just go at a player.
“I went there, and he said something and I went back at him.”
Davis later thanked Goorjian for supporting him on court.
The heated game is also likely to lead the NBL to investigate reports of a confrontation between Phoenix coach Josh King and Davis, which allegedly took place after the game in the tunnel that leads to the locker rooms.
Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari has twice taken to social media to address the fiery contest, lashing Goorjian and addressing the tunnel clash.
“Some folks are saying our coach confronted KD in the tunnel, couldn’t be further from the truth, it was the other way around,” Chaudhari posted on X.
“A broadcaster left mid-press conference to go snitch to KD, which then incited that whole ‘confrontation’ in the tunnel, a confrontation initiated by KD.
“Let’s see how this is addressed in the aftermath. Unfortunately, there is a ‘good ‘ol boys club’ mentality that is ever prevalent, so I won’t hold my breath.”
King, speaking before the alleged tunnel incident, said Goorjian’s behaviour was “completely uncalled for”.
“It’s really surprising, a guy that’s done everything he’s done in his career to think it’s OK to tell an opposing player ‘F you’ three times,” King said.
Goorjian getting emotional court-side.Credit: Getty Images
“That’s very disappointing and it’s not right. Hey, it is what it is. Maybe he thinks that’s OK.
“I just know that I’ve never seen that before, and I’ve coached around the world too.”
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Sunday’s result lifted Sydney (21-9) above the Phoenix (21-10) into second spot on the ladder, with just two rounds left in the regular season.
with AAP
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