Monday night’s game between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers featured (much) more drama than the average regular season contest in mid-November. Early in the evening, LeBron James was engaged in a bit of a dust-up with both rookie Frank Ntilikina and veteran big man Enes Kanter and that came on the heels of some interesting comments prior to tip-off. Then, James delivered the final blow in the form of a dagger three that gave the Cavaliers a hotly contested victory in Madison Square Garden.
Following the 48-minute battle, though, Kanter had some choice words for James and the Cavs, including a not-so-subtle reference to the “King James” moniker.
Enes Kanter, who scuffled with James: "I don't care who you are. What do you call yourself? King, Queen, Princess. Whatever you are. We're going to fight. Nobody out there is going to punk us." Wow
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) November 14, 2017
Kanter was quick to rush to the aid of Ntilikina during the first half skirmish and it is clear that he is not intimidated by James and the Cavs. Plus James made it clear earlier in the day that he was not a fan of Kanter.
This isn’t the best look from a player after a loss, especially because the “Queen James” nickname has always been really gross. Given that New York blew a double-digit fourth quarter lead, Kanter’s emotions were likely quite raw in front of the assembled media in this particular spot.
Moments later, James was asked about the comments and he took the high ride to some degree.
LeBron James’ response to Enes Kanter’s postgame barb: “I’m the king, my wife is the queen and my daughter is the princess so we got all three covered.” (Also: Notice the hat) pic.twitter.com/AAkzDLL7kt
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 14, 2017
It is always noteworthy when an NBA player declares “we’re going to fight” and “nobody is going to punk us” in the aftermath of a game. Still, this has the feeling of a beef that could linger for a while and, if it produces high-level entertainment like we saw on Monday evening, that is just fine.
