Warriors coach Don Nelson stormed out and a red-faced, frustrated Monta Ellis couldn't be consoled by teammates. So ended Thursday's practice in New York City.
As the players cooled down from a practice at the Reebok Sports Club and prepared for the bus ride to the London hotel, Ellis called Nelson over to the bench.
Sitting between Stephen Jackson and Acie Law, Ellis asked, "Coach, why do I get blamed for everything?"
Then, the coach and player had this heated dialogue:
Nelson: "What have I ever blamed you for?"
Ellis: "For everything. Everything. People not knowing their plays. I didn't do this. I didn't do that."
Nelson directed a two-handed wave off at Ellis and left the facility. The guard yelled "That's why I won't do it. I just won't do it."
It's unclear exactly what Ellis won't do. Be a leader? Play hard? Show up for practice on time?
Apparently, that's how the latest episode of dysfunction started. Ellis had his ankles taped at the practice facility instead of the hotel, causing the team to start shooting before he was ready to take the court.
Ellis refused to talk to media after the spat. He even brushed off friend and teammate Corey Maggette, who tried to calm the situation.
According to a Warriors player, Nelson reprimanded Ellis in front of his teammates. The player said Ellis wasn't the only one who wasn't quite ready when practice was scheduled to begin at noon, but the guard still took the brunt of Nelson's wrath.
A Warriors source said no players missed the 11:45 a.m. bus to practice and no fines are expected. Ellis worked exclusively with the starting unit during Thursday's practice, so it would appear that he won't be punished by lessened minutes, either.
