Rajon Rondo was benched for the final 20-plus minutes of the Dallas Mavericks' win on Tuesday over the Toronto Raptors following a profanity-laced confrontation with Rick Carlisle.
Rondo and Carlisle were arguing over play-calling responsibilities.
Carlisle stormed out on the American Airlines Center court to call a timeout and shouted at Rondo, who appeared to be ignoring a play call from the bench as he brought the ball up the floor.
Rondo responded by shouting back at Carlisle. They exchanged heated words for much of the timeout, with assistant coach Jamahl Mosley at one point stepping in front of Rondo to prevent the point guard and coach from getting in each other's faces.
"Well, it's an emotional game, and we had a difference of opinion," Carlisle said. "There was an exchange, and then in my mind, it was over."
Rondo declined to take questions with reporters after the game.
"Discuss with Rick," said Rondo.
Team sources told ESPNDallas.com that friction had been building between Carlisle and Rondo over play-calling responsibilities, the majority of which the coach has handled.
Jason Kidd had similar frustrations with Carlisle in his first season with the Mavericks.
Mark Cuban attempted to downplay the latest incident between Carlisle and Rondo.
"S--- happens. Not the first time, not the last time," Cuban told ESPNDallas.com. "It'll happen again. It's not just Rajon. It's a long season. In my 15 years, I've seen it happen more times than I can count, and we survive every time."
Rondo will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
