The Oklahoma City Thunder now sit in the driver’s seat of the NBA Finals after their crucial Game 5 win on Monday night. While the spotlight should have remained squarely on the Thunder’s performance, a different kind of entertainment unfolded on live television due to former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins.
During ESPN’s live broadcast of the Finals, Perkins momentarily shifted the attention away from the court and toward a playful on-air clash with fellow commentator and former player Richard Jefferson. In the middle of his analysis, Perkins abruptly paused and turned to Jefferson with an unexpected question that caught everyone off guard.
“Were you just waving at my wife?” Perkins asked.
Jefferson didn’t hesitate with a response. He tried to defend himself from the friendly fire.
Kendrick Perkins: "Were you just waving at my wife?"
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 17, 2025
Richard Jefferson: "She waved at me first…"
Scott Van Pelt: "Stop blowing kisses out here…" 🏀📺🎙️#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/aclafo0QB3
“She waved at me first,” he said.
Scott Van Pelt, who was also hosting the segment, couldn’t resist jumping in to escalate the hilarity.
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“Stop blowing kisses out here…” he chimed in.
Though the Finals game itself had plenty of drama, it was this unscripted exchange that became one of the night’s most talked-about moments. Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson reminded everyone that basketball is as much about personality as it is about points.
Kendrick Perkins Heapes High Praise On Jalen Williams After Thunder’s Game 5 Win
Jalen Williams delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the NBA Finals in Game 5. Following the game, Kendrick Perkins took to social media to spotlight Williams’ rising star status.
“J-Dubb standing on Bidness in these Finals,” Perkins wrote.
Statistically, Williams’ night was nothing short of remarkable. He poured in 40 points while grabbing six rebounds and dishing out four assists. According to HoopsHype’s Global Rating, Williams has now ascended to the position of the second-best player in the entire playoffs.
Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sparks Meme Fest By Signing 429 Autographs Before Game 5 vs. Pacers
