NBA's P.J. Tucker Warriors' Mark Stevens Got Off Easy ... Demands Harsher Punishment

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NOT HARSH ENOUGH
TMZSports.com

Houston Rockets player P.J. Tucker ain't happy with the NBA's 1-year ban against Golden State Warriors part-owner Mark Stevens ... telling TMZ Sports, "It should be more!"

As we previously reported ... in addition to the 1-year ban, Stevens was also fined $500,000 for pushing Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry during Game 3 of the NBA Finals after Lowry dove into the crowd trying to save a loose ball.

Lowry says Stevens also cussed at him several times during the interaction.

Tucker says the NBA's punishment feels very light -- and says everyone should be outraged by Stevens' conduct.

"Don't put your hands on people," Tucker says ... "There's nowhere in the game for that."

Tucker says he's not sure what the punishment SHOULD be ... but noted, "If a player put his hands on a fan, it would be a lot harsher."

"No telling what happens ... [that player would] probably never play again."

NBA Bans Warriors Part-Owner ... Who Pushed Kyle Lowry

2:20 PM PT -- The NBA has handed down Stevens' official punishment -- a 1-year ban effective immediately and $500k fine for "pushing and directing obscene language towards" Lowry during the incident.

1:00 PM PT -- Lowry says Stevens said "go f*** yourself" multiple times during the incident ... and is calling for Stevens to be banned from all NBA games moving forward.

Klay Thompson had a different take ... saying it was an unfortunate incident ... but wants to give Stevens the "benefit of the doubt."

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NOT A GOOD LOOK

12:20 PM PT -- The NBA has BANNED Golden State Warriors part-owner Mark Stevens from attending NBA games after pushing Kyle Lowry during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

An NBA spokesperson says Stevens' conduct has "no place in our league."

Unclear how long the ban will last -- but for now, he's persona non grata.

Here's the full statement from the NBA:

"A team representative must be held to the highest possible standard and the conduct of Golden State Warriors investor Mark Stevens last night was beyond unacceptable and has no place in our league."

"As the review of this matter continues, Mr. Stevens will not be permitted to attend NBA games.”

LeBron James is FURIOUS at the Golden State Warriors part-owner who put his hands on Raptors star Kyle Lowry during Game 3 of the NBA Finals ... saying, "Privilege Ain't Welcome Here."

The original incident took place during the 4th quarter -- when Lowry dove into the stands to try and save a loose ball, and Warriors part-owner Mark Stevens shoved Lowry while he was still down.

Lowry was PISSED when he got up and called for officials to eject Stevens from the game. After the game, Lowry suggested Stevens should get a lifetime ban.

Now, LeBron James has weighed in ... saying, "There’s absolutely no place in our BEAUTIFUL game for that AT ALL."

"When you sit courtside you absolutely know what comes with being on the floor and if you don’t know it’s on the back on the ticket itself that states the guidelines. But he himself being a fan but more importantly PART-OWNER of the Warriors knew exactly what he was doing which was so uncalled for."

"He knew the rules more than just the average person sitting watching the game courtside so for that Something needs to be done ASAP! A swift action for his actions."

LeBron continued ... "Just think to yourself, what if [Kyle Lowry] would have reacted and put his hands back on him. You guys would be going CRAZY!! Calling for him to damn near be put in jail let alone being suspended for the rest of the Finals all because he was protected himself."

"I’ve been quite throughout the whole NBA playoffs watching every game (haven’t missed one) but after I saw what I saw last night, took time to let it manifest into my thinking I couldn’t and wouldn’t be quiet on this! #ProtectThePlayers#PrivilegeAintWelcomeHere"

For their part, the Warriors claim they're investigating the incident and say Stevens will not attend ANY of the remaining NBA Finals games.

FYI, Stevens -- a prominent venture capitalist -- joined the Warriors ownership group in 2013.

Originally Published -- 9:58 AM PT

Toronto Raptors Fan Arrested Over Vulgar Comment About Ayesha Curry On Live TV

Cops in Toronto have arrested the moronic Raptors fan who went on a live TV news broadcast and said he was going to "F**k" Ayesha Curry.

The incident occurred on June 2 following the Raptors loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the NBA Finals ... a game in which Ayesha's husband, Steph Curry, dropped 23 points and 4 assists.

A CP24 news reporter in Canada was interviewing Raptors fans during a live news broadcast after the game to get their reactions when 28-year-old Tristan Warkentin stepped up to the mic.

When asked what it was like to be at the stadium for the game, Warkentin responded ... "The vibe was unreal and I just want to let everyone know Ayesha Curry we're gonna f**k her right in the p**sy."

The Toronto Police Service says Warkentin was arrested for criminal mischief since he knew his comments would air on live TV.

A court date has been set for July 11.

After the incident, Warkentin said he had been receiving death threats because of his comments.

He also told the Toronto Sun, "I’m not in a position to defend myself in terms of what happened. I am sure you understand the influence of alcohol."

"What I did was disgraceful; it was an alcohol-influenced situation ... To be honest I don’t even remember being there but I am responsible for my own actions at the end of the day” and “am not sitting here claiming victim.”

Warkentin also says he plans to apologize to Ayesha Curry.

Beyonce Epic Side-Eye To Wife of Warriors Owner!!!

2:00 PM PT -- Curran says she has received death threats over the interaction ... further explaining that she was just trying to get Hov's drink order and leaned closer because she couldn't hear what he said. For what it's worth, he ordered a vodka soda.

Who dareth upset Beyonce?!!?!?!

Check this out ... Beyonce and Jay-Z were sitting courtside at Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday ... when a woman leaned over Her Beyness to talk to Jay.

Suddenly, Bey went from smiling and happy ... to SIDE-EYE -- and it was all captured on video.

So, who is the woman? Her name is Nicole Curran -- and she's not just some random fan -- she's married to Warriors owner Joe Lacob!!!!!

After the clip went viral, Nicole was CRUSHED on social media by the Beyhive -- so she posted a pic essentially telling everyone to chill out.

"We should all help and support each other," Nicole said.

Oh, and she also disabled the comments on the post because the Beyhive can be RUTHLESS!!!!

Meanwhile, Twitter is going crazy over the incident ...

@KaraRBrown -- "I would leave the earth if Beyonce looked this ready to smack me"

@Cyn_Santana -- "How you hover over Beyoncé like that is she crazy???"

@NiaNRiley -- "Who’s the bitch annoying Beyoncé?!"

@KingJosiah54 -- "Beyonce: 'This Becky with the good hair bout to get her wig split'"

@Quotemeorelse -- "I swear Beyonce looked like she was bout to snatch a bitch up during #game3."

And, to top it all off, the Warriors got WHOOPED by the Toronto Raptors ... so bad night for Golden State.

Originally Published -- 6:05 AM PT

Golden State Warriors Epically Troll Drake ... Warming Up To Pusha T Diss Track!!!

The Golden State Warriors are taking their beef with Drake to new levels, and hitting back where it hurts ... Pusha T.

With Steph Curry warming up on the court at Oracle Arena before Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors ... the pregame playlist featured Pusha T's diss track, "The Story of Adidon."

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MAJOR BEEF
@Andrew_Reed

As you know ... Drake had MASSIVE BEEF last year with Pusha T, with both rappers going back and forth at each other with diss tracks. Saying things got heated is an understatement.

Waiting for your permission to load Soundcloud audio.

So, why are the two-time defending NBA champion Warriors taking shots at Drake???

Drake's a HUGE Raptors fan ... and he's been thrusting himself into these Finals with his courtside antics during Games 1 and 2 in Toronto. Dude even got into it with Warriors stud Draymond Green after the Raps took Game 1.

The Warriors are obviously fed up with Drake ... because after they won Game 2 to even the series, stars Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson heckled him outside their locker room, calling Drake a "bum ass."

With the series shifting to Oakland for Games 3 and 4 ... the Warriors seem intent on trolling Drake even more.

Shaq Praises Drake's NBA Finals Antics ... 'He Knows What He's Doing'

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ALL ABOUT THE DRAMA
TMZSports.com

So, Shaquille O'Neal was on his way to the gym in L.A. ... when all of a sudden he got caught up IN JONAS BROTHERS MADNESS!!!!

It's hilarious ... Shaq starts off asking our guys why hundreds of people are screaming and going crazy across the street -- and when he finds out it's all because of a Jonas Bros. event, he LOVES IT!!

But, we also talked hoops with Shaq ... specifically about Drake, who's been heavily criticized for taunting Golden State Warriors players and going crazy on the sidelines during the NBA Finals.

"Drake is a smart guy," Shaq says ... "He knows what he's doing. It's called marketing, people!!"

Shaq also tells us he thinks the criticism of Drake is a load of crap -- and compares Drake to Clippers' chairman Steve Ballmer, who's famously animated at Clippers games.

"[Drake] is just having fun, having a good time ... as a guy sitting there watching on TV, it's very entertaining."

Shaq also weighs in on the NBA Finals drama between the Warriors and the Toronto Raptors -- and explains why this series is GREAT!!

But again, the best part of the clip is Shaq's unbridled passion for Nick, Joe and Kevin -- even though he only knows one of their names!!!

Kawhi Leonard Suing Nike Over 'Klaw' Logo ... I Drew It Myself!

Kawhi Leonard is suing Nike over his "Klaw" logo ... claiming he drew the symbol himself -- and saying the footwear giant has NO right to copyright it.

It's all in a new lawsuit filed by the Toronto Raptors superstar ... in which he says the famous logo of a "K," an "L" and his jersey number actually came from his own hand, pen and paper back in 2011.

"Leonard traced his notably large hand, and, inside the hand, drew stylized versions of his initials, "KL," and the number that he had worn for much of his career, "2," the lawsuit states.

The problem for Kawhi? He says he permitted Nike to use the logo after he signed a contract with the shoe giant in 2011 ... but they filed for a copyright of the logo "without Leonard's knowledge or consent."

Now, Leonard is suing ... saying they had no right to do that -- adding that when he initially gave permission to use the symbol, it was to "mutually benefit" both parties.

In his lawsuit, Leonard wants control of his logo back ... and is also claiming Nike "committed fraud on the Copyright Office" by registering his logo.

Leonard was signed with Nike from 2011 to 2018. He just inked a new contract with New Balance last fall.

The Game I'm Still Banned In Canada ... Can't Attend NBA Finals In Toronto

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STUCK IN THE STATES
TMZSports.com

The Game is a huge NBA fan -- but he had to watch Game 2 of the NBA Finals from a bar in Los Angeles because he tells TMZ Sports he's still banned from entering Canada!!!

The rapper was breaking down the Warriors win over the Raptors -- which took place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto -- when he told us about his issue.

"I can't even get into Canada," The Game said ... "I can't even go to the game!"

When asked why," Game smiled and said, "Because I'm a gangster."

He is sorta ... back in 2011, The Game was detained at the Canadian border and ultimately deported because of his affiliation with the Bloods.

According to Game, that ban still stands -- which sucks for the rapper who says he LOVES our neighbors to the north and would have loved to have been in the arena with the likes of two of his favorite people ... Drake and Barack Obama.

Don't feel too bad for Game, he's still living like a BOSS in L.A. -- where he got the VIP treatment at the Peppermint Club to watch the game.

Oh, and despite being a big Kawhi Leonard fan (he's also from L.A.), Game has a reality check for the Raptors -- saying there's just no way Toronto's bringing the Larry O'Brien back over the border.

KD and Klay Thompson Clown Drake After Finals Win ... 'Bum Ass!!'

"See you in the Bay, Aubrey ... You weren't talkin' tonight, were ya!?"

Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson gave Drake an earful after the Warriors tied up the series in the NBA Finals on Sunday ... returning the epic trash talk the rap superstar delivered after Game 1.

The exchange was captured right as the Dubs were heading into the locker room after the game ... when someone called for them to come back because Drizzy was about to walk by.

That's when KD and Klay went IN on the 6 God ... calling him a "bum ass" and saying the win over the Raptors was "light work."

"It's alright, it's okay, we still got more games to play," KD added.

Drake -- who got all up in Draymond Green's face after the Raps took Game 1 -- surprisingly handled the trash talk really well, hitting them back with "You squeezed that [win], by the way."

Game 3 is on Wednesday ... so Drake's got a few days to come up with a better comeback.

Godfrey Yo, Drizzy ... Sit Down & Shut Up When Courtside

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TAKE A SEAT, DRAKE
TMZSports.com

Drake really oughta zip his lid and take a seat when he's hangin' courtside for the NBA Finals, 'cause his attempts to troll opposing teams aren't even top-notch ... so says Godfrey.

The comedian laid into Champagne Papi Friday outside the Gotham Comedy Club in NYC, where he told us point blank ... Drake needs to sit down and relax when he's rooting for the Raptors. His rationale -- he thinks Drizzy's trying too hard to be cool and seen.

ICYMI ... Drake and Warriors forward, Draymond Green, had what appeared to be a heated exchange at the end of game 1 Thursday as the Dubs made their way back to the locker room upon losing. It's unclear exactly what was said, but Drake seemed to call Dray "trash."

As far as Godfrey's concerned, Drake should take some cues from another hip-hop heavyweight who tends to behave himself when he goes to the big games. Any guesses???

More importantly, Godfrey doesn't even consider Drake to be one of the all-time great celebrity sports trolls -- comparing him to greats like Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson ... as well as the king of trolls, regardless of context. Bottom line for Godfrey ... tone it down, brah.

Draymond Green Blasts Post-Game Drake Question ... It Wasn't A Scuffle!

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GENTLEMAN'S CHAT
NBA

Draymond Green says there was NO "scuffle" with Drake after the Warriors lost to the Raptors on Thursday ... blasting a reporter for even asking about the altercation in the post-game presser.

"You got a question about basketball?" Green said.

Of course, it certainly looked like a scuffle to most of the world ... Green was nose-to-nose with the "God's Plan" rapper -- and Drake clearly used the word "trash" when jawing at the Warriors star.

But, Draymond is playing the whole thing down, saying, "I didn't hit him and he didn't hit me or I didn't push him or he didn't push me."

Green added, "We talked. We barked a little bit. But I wouldn't necessarily consider that a scuffle. Not really what I, personally, would consider a scuffle."

Drake's played a key role in Toronto's playoff run this season ... he pissed off Giannis Antetokounmpo and the entire Milwaukee Bucks roster last week -- and now he is clearly already under Golden State's skin.

Game 2 tips off Sunday night in Toronto ... and Drake's expected to have courtside seats once again.

CAN'T WAIT!!!

Too Short Using Drake's NBA Trash Talk Against Him ... In Rap Song

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GOIN' AFTER DRAKE
TMZSports.com

Every time Drake opens his mouth during the NBA Finals, he's contributing to Too Short's new rap song ... so says Short Dog himself.

See, Too Short is a hardcore Golden State Warriors fan (Oakland!!), so when we saw him at Bootsy Bellows in L.A. (hanging with Jimmy O. Yang!) we asked how he plans to deal with Drake, whose Raptors fandom has been driving people crazy.

"We've had a meeting about this," Short tells TMZ Sports.

"What we're gonna do is, we're gonna watch Drake. We're gonna record every little bit of tape of Drake [during the NBA Finals]. Every word he says, we're gonna make a song with those words."

It's not a bad idea ... considering everything Drake touches turns platinum nowadays. As for the title for the project??

"It's gonna be called 'Drake Losing to the Warriors.'"

Yeah, the title could probably use some work -- but the idea is pretty solid!

By the way, Too Short and Drake are good friends -- in fact, Drake even paid homage to Short in the DJ Khaled track "For Free."

Still, gotta respect a quality troll job!

Klay Thompson Temporary Ban On 'Hotline Bling' ... I'm In 'Kill Mode'

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NOT LINE BLING
NBA TV

Good news, bad news for Drake -- Good news?? Klay Thompson likes your music. Bad news?? Klay Thompson HATES YOUR GUTS!!!

... as a Raptors fan.

The Warriors superstar was asked whether he's gonna get in the zone for the NBA Finals by vibin' out to some Drizzy, or skip his jams considering he's with the enemy Toronto Raptors ... and Klay had one helluva soundbite.

"If it's one of his soft, R&B songs, I'mma skip it 'cause I'm in 'kill mode' right now trying to get these 4 games," Klay says ... "So, I'll skip 'Hotline Bling' and anything along that line."

Side note -- Klay, don't do "Hotline Bling" like that. RESPECT "HOTLINE BLING"!!!!!! It's a classic.

Thompson -- who says he's been a Drake fan since high school -- added, "He's a great artist. Do I like him as a Raptors fan? No. But, I like him as a musician. He's extremely talented, but I will definitely skip the song if I don't like it."

Understandable, Klay ... but again, respect "Hotline Bling."

Drake Mama, There Goes That Man!!! Major Catcalls in Bahamas

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WET YOUR WHISTLE
TMZ.com

We all know Drake can draw a crowd anywhere he goes -- but who would've guessed he gets the construction site treatment in the Bahamas???

TMZ broke the story ... Drake and co. touched down in the Caribbean Monday with his massive new custom OVO jet, which made other nearby airliners look puny.

His plane is a 767-300F Boeing model, which can retail anywhere from $185 mil to $220 mil brand new.

As if his standout sky ride wasn't a dead giveaway that Champagne Papi was in town, his mere presence at a resort on the island nation wasn't necessarily kept incognito either.

Multiple witnesses saw Drake making his way through The Cove Luxury Resort, where folks couldn't help but hoot, holler, sing and whistle at Drizzy as he passed through with his entourage. Hey, we get it ... he's one handsome feller. Catcall when you get the chance.

Drake was later seen inside the Atlantis Casino playing the tables with none other than ... Philadelphia 76ers team investor Michael Rubin?! Yep, it'd seem Drake's NBA allegiance sees no jersey when he's not on the court cheering his home team, the Toronto Raptors ... who bounced Rubin's guys earlier in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

BTW ... we're told they were posted up at $500 minimum blackjack tables. High-rollers, obviously.

Game 1 between the Raptors and the Warriors kicks off Thursday in Toronto. Here's hoping Drake can get some R&R between now and then ... it's gonna be a doozy.

Drake Flies Massive New Jet to Bahamas ... After Historic Raptors Win

Drake's refueling in the Caribbean before his Raptors take on the Warriors in the NBA Finals -- flying down in his massive new jet ... which is a monster compared to other airliners.

Champagne Papi's new custom "Air Drake" plane was spotted on a landing zone in the Bahamas Sunday, where all its grandeur and OVO swag were on full display as it sized up what appears to be a much smaller Delta-branded model nearby -- maybe a -700.

Drake didn't settle for a standard G4 -- he opted for a custom 767-300F Boeing plane, which normally seats hundreds of passengers or even cargo loads. The retail price for this type of ride has ranged anywhere from $185M to $220M over the past couple years.

He also gave a tour of the plane as it was being finished up earlier this month, and it's definitely got all the bells and whistles you might expect.

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FLYIN' IN STYLE

Can't blame Drizzy for wanting to get away for a few days either -- he was Toronto's biggest cheerleader these past few days ... and could certainly use some rest if he's gonna bring that same energy for Oakland (which we're sure he will).

Rest up, Aubrey ... and be careful where you swing that thing. It could hurt somebody.

NBA's Jay Williams To Bucks Coach .. 'Worry About Your Team, Not Drake!'

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LET DRAKE BE DRAKE
TMZSports.com

"[Bucks coach] Mike Budenholzer should be worried about his team. He shouldn't be worried about flexing on Drake."

That's how ex-NBA star Jay Williams feels about all the drama between the Milwaukee Bucks head coach and Drake ... after Budenholzer called out the league for allowing the rapper to have carte blanche court access during the playoffs.

Early Thursday, the Bucks head coach went off about Drizzy ... saying there's NO REASON Drake should be allowed to hang with Raptors players on the bench and shoulder rub the Raptors coaching staff.

"I will say, again, I see it in some timeouts, but I don't know of any person that's attending the game that isn't a participant in the game, a coach -- I'm sorry, a player or a coach, that has access to the court," Budenholzer said.

"there's certainly no place for fans and, you know, whatever it is exactly that Drake is for the Toronto Raptors. You know, to be on the court, there's boundaries and lines for a reason."

Enter, Williams who has this message for the Bucks players and staff -- DEAL WITH IT!!!

"[Drake] is like a 2019 Spike Lee ... just on steroids," Williams said referring to Lee's fan allegiance to the NY Knicks.

"You cant take one dude talking trash to you, I don't know what to tell you!"

The Bucks and Raptors play again Thursday night in Milwaukee -- but they return to Toronto for Game 6 on Saturday.

Think you'll see a more reserved Drake??? Yeah, didn't think so ...