A Washington Wizards assistant coach was held back by players from charging into the stands at a fan towards the end of Monday’s blowout loss to the Miami Heat.
The NBC Sports Washington cameras caught the incident with just under 14 seconds remaining in the Wizards’ 121-100 loss.
It appears Wizards player development coach Mike Batiste exchanges words with a fan sitting just a few rows from Washington’s bench. The exchange got more animated before Batiste stood up and attempted to step over the chairs into the stands towards the fan.
Fortunately, Wizards center Montrezl Harrell and others intervened, holding back Batiste. Harrell eventually was able to walk Batiste back to the locker room without further incident.
Play was monetarily halted during the commotion. But resumed once the situation settled.
The Wizards’ season has snowballed in recent weeks. Monday’s loss was their eighth in their last nine games. Now, Washington has a record of 24-29 and sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Trade rumors have surfaced and reports of locker room dissension have emerged as the losses pile up.
Frustration has set in for all involved. For whatever reasons, the fan’s comments crossed the line to garner Batiste’s reaction.
