* Two sources say that Nelson embarrassed Ellis when Ellis tried to step into a leadership role in the aftermath of the 28-point home loss to the Clippers on Nov. 6.
The sources describe the scene in the post-game locker room: Ellis, as a co-captain, began loudly addressing to his teammates, telling them that this performance could not be tolerated.
But then Nelson came into the room and told Ellis to be quiet.
Speaking to reporters a few minutes later, Ellis was near-tears. A snippet…
-Q: Your coach said he was embarrassed by this game. Are you embarrassed?
-ELLIS: We all should be embarrassed. This is a terrible game, terrible performance. We looked like we didn't know what we were doing out there. We looked like a high school team. We didn't do nothing.
* The Clippers-game episode now sheds greater light on Ellis' cryptic comments during his public verbal altercation with Nelson after a practice in New York last week.
First, in front of reporters, Ellis accused Nelson of blaming him for everything. When Nelson denied it and then walked away, waving his hands, Ellis said:
"See, that's why I won't do it. I just won't do it."
What did that mean? My read: Ellis was saying that whenever he tries to lead the team, it's rendered meaningless because the coach and management disrupt everything.
