Matt Barnes claims he didn’t say what’s being reported to James Harden’s mom

After being fined for comments he made toward James Harden’s mother, Clippers forward Matt Barnes is denying that he said what’s being reported.

As if a second-round series in the NBA Playoffs wasn’t compelling enough, Los Angeles Clippers’ Matt Barnes has everyone wondering what James Harden will do next.

During Game 2 between the Clippers and Rockets, Barnes got into a verbal match with Harden’s mom. The vulgarities and stuff that Barnes reportedly said cost him $25,000 for his actions.

While the two did get into it with their words during the game, Barnes is denying that he said things to her that are being reported.

He didn’t just deny them, he vehemently denied the reports.

Barnes then said in an interview that he has spoken with Harden’s mother, Monja Willis, a couple of times since the incident.

"“We’ve spoken twice since the incident,” Barnes said. “She said something. I said something back. I spoke to her at halftime and after the game.“What I said was said, what she said was said. It doesn’t matter what was said, we both said something.“What’s crazy is fans can say anything and everything. Things about our wives, our kids, anything. We say one thing, and they run and tell, and next thing you know (I’m fined) $25,000. ”"

There’s no doubt at all something was said, it’s just to what level were things said and was it as bad as previously reported?

It also has many wondering just how intense will James Harden be for Game 3 in Los Angeles on Friday. It’s one thing to say something to a competitor on the court, but to say something to a family member takes it to a personal level.

Harden however insists that he is just focused on Game 3 and getting a big win for his team on the road.

"“In any situation you talk about somebody’s parents that’s just disrespectful,”Harden said. “But I’m focused on Game 3. We’re very focused. We’re locked in. There’s going to be some great intensity.“I’m not really focused on that. I’m focused on Game 3. Hopefully, we go out and compete and get a victory on the road.”"

So Matt Barnes admits that he said some things to Harden’s mother, and that the two have talked since then. If the two have talked and sorted it out, it wouldn’t be surprising if Barnes is telling the truth when he calls the reports of what he said untrue.

One thing is for sure though, Barnes and the Clippers are going to have to deal with a focused James Harden who is intent on winning the game no matter what.

(H/T: Houston Chronicle/Ultimate Rockets)

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