Tari Eason didn’t back down from a playoff scrap-and neither did his mother.
The Houston Rockets earned a gritty 1-1 series split with a bruising 95-85 win over the Golden State Warriors, but the action on the court wasn’t the only thing making headlines.
Emotions boiled over during the contest, especially between Draymond Green and Tari Eason, and it prompted a fiery reaction from Eason’s mother, Teroya, who issued a stern warning to the Warriors veteran.
As the Rockets leaned on their size and physicality, Green appeared to try and unsettle the Rockets with his usual aggressive antics. In one moment, he gave Eason a light shove. But instead of backing off, the Houston forward stood his ground. Watching closely from the stands, Teroya responded online in no uncertain terms.
“That man just lost his father YOU DONT WANT THIS DRAYMOND. This pain you ain’t seen before. These boys not letting yo old a- kick them around. Don’t get f****d up!!!” she wrote on X, referencing the recent loss of Eason‘s father, which he had shared publicly with the message, “I’m hurt forever.”
Rockets rise while Warriors hope for Butler’s return
As Game 2 unraveled, the physicality escalated. Jimmy Butler exited after a nasty mid-air collision with Amen Thompson, casting a shadow over the night.
While Stephen Curry tried to pick up the slack, the intense defense held him to just 20 points. Eason, meanwhile, played a crucial role with 14 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.
Teroya wasn’t done. She also lashed out at criticism aimed at Thompson, who some blamed for Butler‘s fall. “First of all HE got pushed,” she argued. “We don’t hurt people for sport, but since we’re here…. Can somebody please go back and show me how many players got hurt on the road to EVERY championship these little mfs have?!?!”
The game might have been won by Houston, but the storylines heading into Game 3 are swirling. Butler‘s status remains uncertain, pending an MRI on his pelvis.
His absence could derail Golden State’s playoff hopes, especially with Curry now facing the brunt of defensive attention.
With both teams digging in for a fierce series, the drama is no longer just about basketball. It’s personal, emotional-and just getting started.
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