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“He’ll Get a Coach Fired”: Kendrick Perkins Sends Warning After James Harden’s Heated Midgame Exchange With Cavs Coach

The last thing a player would want is a strained relationship with his coach right after signing an extension. While things haven’t gone that far for James Harden, a coach and his star player appearing to turn up against each…

By Shahul Hameed · Essentially Sports

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 2:58 AM

Key Things to Know

Kendrick Perkins warned that James Harden could get head coach Kenny Atkinson fired after a midgame sideline argument.
The heated confrontation took place during the second quarter of the Cleveland Cavaliers' 124-116 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James Harden posted 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists as the defeat dropped Cleveland to a 4-4 record.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Kendrick Perkins warned on ESPN that James Harden is "the type of player that'll get a coach fired" following a heated sideline exchange between Harden and Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson. The incident occurred during the second quarter of Cleveland's 124-116 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder after a turnover by Harden allowed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into transition.

The defeat dropped the Cavaliers to a 4-4 record on the season. The article highlights that while Perkins raised concerns over Harden's history of turbulent coaching situations, including past dismissals of Kevin McHale, Steve Nash, and Doc Rivers, a single confrontation does not confirm Atkinson's job is immediately in jeopardy.

Read the full article on Essentially Sports