Report: Paul, Harden tried to keep Ariza from crashing Clippers' locker room
An investigation is underway into the fracas between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Monday night.
Initial reports said that four Rockets, led by Chris Paul and James Harden, snuck through a secret tunnel that connected the two locker rooms while Clint Capela ran a diversion through the front.
However, upon further review, it appears that Trevor Ariza was the main aggressor, while Paul and Harden were mostly there to play peacemaker, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Sources: As details emerge on aftermath Rockets-Clippers game, Trevor Ariza remains described as most aggressive and determined to get into opposing locker room — with Chris Paul and James Harden viewed as trying to slow down Ariza. NBA investigation will continue into Wednesday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 16, 2018
Ariza was presumably in pursuit of Blake Griffin after the two were ejected following a chippy affair in Paul's homecoming. However, Ariza turned his attention to Austin Rivers (who was in a walking boot) after Rivers spotted Ariza at the door to the locker room and said, "Let his bi--- a-- come in," according to Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated.