Kings’ Iman Shumpert Tries To Confront Blazers’ Jusuf Nurkic, Stopped By Security

Kings' Iman Shumpert tries to start feud with Blazers' Jusuf Nurkic, stopped by security

After a 115-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, Iman Shumpert was stopped from entering into the Blazers’ locker room.

security stopped shumpert at blazers’ locker room

The Sacramento Kings guard was upset with Bosnian-born Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic for setting a hard screen in the second half.

Here’s a video of the screen:

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“Some stuff needed to be between me and him, a conversation between two men,” Shumpert said after security stopped him. “Some stuff happened out there that we needed to have a conversation about. That’s it.”

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Nurkic got petty after the incident. “I’m not going to worry about it,” he said. “He’s going into retirement soon. I’m not going to worry about a guy who’s going into retirement soon.” It wasn’t a very good comeback, especially after a loss. Shumpert is sure to get a contract extension from the Kings. He’s been a reliable veteran presence and a key to the development of Buddy Hield and De’Aaron Fox.

Shumpert apologized to fans after the game. In a tweet, he wrote: “I apologize to the fans if I made a scene. Wasn’t my intention but this 2019 stuff is all about a “story”. Don’t let that distract you from this young Scores ball club getting a great victory against a tested Blazers team #theScoresisHERE #purpletalk.”

The 28-year-old former Cleveland Cavalier was called for a technical foul in the third quarter. Teammates had to walk him to the Sacramento bench after arguing with an individual on Portland’s side.

Shumpert later sent out an additional tweet, trying to shoot down ESPN’s story that painted him as being more confrontational than he actually was. He wrote: “Don’t believe the internet. I was respectful of their team’s space and privacy. I waited outside and asked to have a conversation. I was greeted by team security that talked to me and I left. No story. #scores win.”

Sacramento will take on the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. Though outside the playoff bubble at the No. 10 seed, the Kings have far exceeded expectations coming into the season.

Bill Piersa