A tense late-game second in Charlotte turned chaotic Friday night time when a courtside fan was ejected following a heated alternate with Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, an incident that appeared to the touch on delicate allegations from Giddey’s previous.
With the Hornets main 119–112 and simply over a minute remaining, Giddey stepped away from his inbound spot and walked instantly towards a fan seated within the second row at Spectrum Center. The fan, carrying a tan sweatshirt and outsized black sun shades, stood and pointed at Giddey whereas flipping him off.
“You’re making jokes you don’t know shit about,” Giddey snapped again earlier than referee Kevin Scott intervened, blowing his whistle repeatedly and separating the 2. Security escorted the fan out moments later as play briefly halted.
The alternate got here in opposition to the backdrop of allegations that dominated headlines in 2024, when Giddey was accused on social media of getting an improper relationship with an underage lady. The NBA instantly opened an investigation after photographs and a Snapchat picture posted by unverified sources unfold on-line. Giddey and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault repeatedly declined remark on the time, calling it a private matter.
Ultimately, no felony costs had been filed, and the league closed its investigation with out issuing any self-discipline. The age of the lady was by no means confirmed publicly.
Though Giddey didn’t deal with whether or not the Charlotte fan referenced these allegations instantly, his response urged the taunt crossed a line. After the Bulls’ 123–116 loss, Giddey stored his feedback brief.
“He just said something I didn’t like and I went over to him, that was it,” he stated, including that safety dealt with the remaining.
The incident added a flash of controversy to an already intense end, leaving followers buzzing because the Hornets secured the win.