Parsons, Pachulia said heated exchange wasn’t a big deal

ORLANDO – Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons and center Zaza Pachulia had about a five-minute heart-to-heart chat in the locker room after the Mavs coughed up a 14-point lead and dropped a 110-104 decision in overtime to the Orlando Magic.

But both parties insist there’s nothing brewing between the two players, who had a heated exchange at one point Friday night at the Amway Center.

Pachulia inexplicably pushed Parsons after the latter tied the game at 101-101 at the 1:59 mark of overtime. As both players headed to the bench when the Magic called timeout, Parsons shouted at Pachulia and then gave him a bear hug.

Parsons said he was simply "celebrating’’ with Pachulia.

"It’s nothing personal,’’ Parsons said. "He set a great screen.

‘"It really was nothing. I was telling him good screen and he was telling me good shot.’’

Parsons instructed the media to "stop digging’’ for what he described as no big deal. Pachulia also said it wasn’t a big deal.

"It’s nothing at all,’’ Pachulia said. "That’s how you guys think.

"Trust me. I know. You see where we were talking and we’re trying to help this team trying to win -- bottom line.’’

After Friday’s stunning defeat, the Mavs (29-27) have lost five of their last six games going into Sunday’s home contest against the Philadelphia 76ers.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 11:43 PM with the headline "Parsons, Pachulia said heated exchange wasn’t a big deal."