Prior to the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks' face-off, Byron Scott candidly discussed Jason Kidd's time as one of his players while coaching in New Jersey.
The Lakers head coach opted for a less-than-flattering remark but Kidd just kept it clean. Choosing to shake off the comments, The Milwaukee coach said, "Whatever comments were said, it's his opinion," during pregame comments (via Journal Sentinel). "I would have to look back and see what he said."
Whatever was said, the Bucks coach wouldn't let it distract him. "Right now I'm more worried about the game and not anybody's comments," said the player-turned-coach.
According to InsideTheLakers, Scott said the Bucks game-runner was known for being a pain. "He was kind of known as being an (expletive)," said Scott who revealed their relationship has been and continues to be simply "cordial."
He also commented on Jason's alleged role that resulted in his removal as the New Jersey Nets coach. "That's all I've heard. Now did he actually go and talk to Rod Thorn and those guys?" said Scott of the former Nets' president.
"I never got that story. I always said though, 'Where there's smoke, there's fire.' I'm in a much better place and I'm sure he's happy where he is," he added.
Scott was Jason Kidd's coach during some of the player's best years with the Nets. Under Scott's direction, the team made two Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003 with Kidd leading the way. Scott ended up fired from the team with many rumors circulating that Kidd had a hand in the outcome.
Bucks Take Down the Lakers
Following the side comments, the two coaches met on the floor Feb. 4 at BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI. After a heated game that headed into overtime, the Bucks ended the game on top with a 113-105 score.
In the team's fifth straight victory, Bucks guard O.J. Mayo came through for the team, reports ESPN. During the crucial dying minutes of the fourth, Mayo came through for the team with two threes which was enough to carry the home-team into overtime.
"You have to give (Mayo) credit. He made an incredible shot," admitted Scott. "We had two guys right there directly on him," said the coach of the contested corner shot bagged by Mayo with 0.5 seconds remaining in the game clock.
"We're just grinding," quoted the site of Mayo. "Even if our energy isn't there, our heart and effort is there. We found a way to get that win tonight."
Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 25 points to be the team's highest scorer but the night's top performer on the side of Milwaukee was Brandon Knight who put up 24 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal.
