Once a passionate player, always a passionate player. This was evident late in the third quarter when Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Kings interim coach Doug Christie had a heated exchange during Golden State’s 129-99 loss to Sacramento at Chase Center on Sunday night. The confrontation occurred after Warriors forward Draymond Green set a hard screen on Kings guard Keon Ellis.

Kerr demanded a flop call, resulting in a technical foul, while Christie, visibly frustrated by the hit on Ellis, rushed to the floor before being escorted back to the bench by Kings center Domantas Sabonis. After the game, Warriors star Steph Curry acknowledged the passion displayed by both coaches. “That’s two ex-players wishing they were back in their jersey,” Curry said. “It’s good to see that kind of fire.”

Kerr and Christie are no strangers to on-court altercations from their playing days. Kerr famously had a practice scuffle with Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls, while Christie once landed an uppercut on Lakers forward Rick Fox in 2002.

Despite the heated moment, Christie extended respect to Kerr and the Warriors after the Kings’ fourth consecutive win. “I’m just always protecting my players,” Christie said. “I have the utmost respect for every single player over there. The competitive nature of the game is the competitive nature, and I think you respect that. I respect how hard they play. But one thing, make no mistake about it, is I’m going to defend my guys because they deserve that, they play hard and I’m going to be right there for them.”

Had this incident occurred 20 years ago, the outcome might have been different, but both coaches have since channeled their passion into their respective roles.