MVP calls Phoenix star "instigator" of fiery clash

Sunday’s blockbuster between South East Melbourne and Sydney was one of the fieriest contests of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26.

On the hardwood, there were numerous altercations between the likes of Kendric Davis and Owen Foxwell, Davis and Nathan Sobey and Foxwell and Brian Goorjian.

Then, following the final siren of the Kings’ 26-point win, Goorjian and Phoenix coach Josh King traded verbal barbs in their respective post-game press conferences.

ESPN also reported the Phoenix coach and Kings star Davis exchanged a war of words in the hallways of John Cain Arena.

Since then, Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari and Kings forward Torrey Craig weighed in on the topic via social media, while 2001 NBL champion Damon Lowery did so via his weekly column.

>> Owner weighs in after fiery coach, player clash

A lot has transpired since the Round 20 fixture tipped off at 2.30pm AEDT on Sunday, and a former MVP has now weighed into the debate.

“Owen Foxwell, in my opinion, was the instigator and the catalyst for everything that transpired,” Derek Rucker said via Monday’s episode on Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors.

“Once the second incident happened, there was the first incident that was isolated between Foxwell and Davis, where it looked like there was a kick, a slight kick from Davis to Foxwell.

“Then the next time down, Sobey gets involved, and then it's Sobey and Davis, which led to the big moment between Goorj and Foxwell, where allegedly, according to reports and the research I did, Foxwell said anything from 'shut up' to 'shut up and sit down'.

“Now I have a tremendous amount of respect for Owen Foxwell. He's a terrific up-and-coming player. But if he is going to go after a legendary head coach, someone who is going to be in the FIBA Hall of Fame once he gives it all up. If he is going to go after Brian Goorjian like that, he damn better be prepared for what's coming back his way.

“What Brian Goorjian brought back was a flurry, a quick tirade to put Foxwell in his place and let him know, 'you do not mess with me'.

“Andrew Gaze accurately pointed out Brian Goorjian was sticking up for his player Kendric Davis in the moment. Kendric was under assault, not only by the South East Melbourne players, but the crowd. The crowd had started to boo.”

NBL commentator Rucker also acknowledges emotions played a part in a fixture that had significant Finals ramifications.

“The key piece is that both these teams are highly emotional, and both of their coaches are volatile guys who are highly competitive,” Rucker said.

“They're trying to mark their territory, not only within that game in that arena right there, but in the broader landscape of the league. Who's the top team? Who's the hottest team right now? Who's got the best championship credentials?

“There was so much going into it, and it turned out to be so much more than we had even bargained for [by full-time].”

Round 21 of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season tips off on Thursday, with Cairns hosting Melbourne from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.