Every Toronto Raptors home game during the 2018 NBA playoffs has featured Drake on the sidelines flailing his arms and pacing about — except for Thursday night.
The exorbitantly dressed rapper was still physically present during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but he left his expressive passion at home after the NBA issued him a formal warning after getting into verbal confrontations with Cavaliers center Kendrick Perkins during Game 1, USA Today reports.
The 31-year-old hip-hop mogul triggered the fracas as he chirped at Perkins during halftime.
“I don’t think Drake want that one.”
KG, @Lakers‘ @kylekuzma, Rasheed Wallace & @AlabamaMBB head coach, @CoachAvery6 talk @Drake and Kendrick Perkins talking during Game 1. #KGArea21 pic.twitter.com/0aLxPwW2YG
— KG’s Area 21 (@KGArea21) May 2, 2018
Unfazed by Perkins’ 6-foot-10-inch 270 pound frame or his experience as a seasoned athlete in the top league of America’s second-most popular contact sport, Drake went for second pickings after the final buzzer.
Drake and Kendrick Perkins exchanged more words postgame pic.twitter.com/Z0rdXDe1uL
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 2, 2018
The injunction worked, apparently, as Drake kept his pants on and his mouth shut as the Cavs won the game 128-110.
drake literally looks like the second grader in trouble for talking too much pic.twitter.com/dqclcOlJHf
— Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) May 3, 2018
Born and raised in Toronto, Drake has been a fan of the franchise since its inception in 1995. The Raptors appointed him as their global ambassador in 2013, through which he works to promote the brand. Such a position comes with the privilege to romp courtside, but, as the NBA asserts, does not allow him to confront opposing players during a game.