After Dillon Brooks took out Gary Payton II with a blow to the head, Warriors coach Steve Kerr called out Brooks saying he “broke the code” of putting another player’s health and career at risk.
Saturday night, Ja Morant was forced to leave Game 3 with a tweaked knee following contact with Jordan Poole. Later that night, Ja Morant Tweeted “broke the code” along with a video of the contact but deleted it soon after. Of course, the Internet never forgets.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said he was curious how the league would respond to the incident in the wake of Brooks’ suspension.
Poole defended himself saying he was reaching to go for a steal and accidentally caught Poole’s knee, but there was no intent.
Kerr, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson all defended Poole.
The league will review Poole’s actions, but this was not on the level of Brook’s foul on Payton — there was not a wind-up and there was not a blow to the head. While it is possible the league upgrades this to a Flagrant 1 and fines Poole, this was not suspension worthy. Then again, the way the league hands down fines/suspensions is as predictable as a roulette wheel. It’s all chance.
Morant left the building showing a limp, but he also left under his own power and without crutches or any large brace. That’s a good sign this does not turn out to be serious.
Expect in Game 4 for the Grizzlies to get back to the physical basketball style that won them Game 2.
Check out more on the Grizzlies
Warriors offense carves up Grizzlies on way to 30-point win; Ja Morant leaves… Grizzlies’ Jenkins pushes back on idea his team plays dirty Dillon Brooks suspended for Grizzlies-Warriors Game 3, Draymond Green fined
Morant deletes “broke the code” Tweet, but was Poole’s play dirty? originally appeared on NBCSports.com
