The NBA has evolved in many ways throughout the years, but perhaps in no way more impactful than the change in physical play. Playing in the Association before the turn of the century meant you were likely tough as nails, and you had to be able to take a beating that was generally accepted as “part of the game.”
Nowadays, the NBA is much more focused on speed and skill. It’s opened up the league up in a way, and it’s certainly achieved one of its main goals – to protect star players. While “The Last Dance” was cool to watch, the NBA isn’t looking to send its modern day players through the same gauntlet Michael Jordan fought through in his era.
Saying that, these are grown men (REALLY grown men), and these are competitors – sometimes things happen.
Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris are the latest to get into a little brouhaha after a hard foul from Morris led to an even harder retaliation from Jokic.
As a result, Jokic and Morris were both ejected from the game. Additionally, the Joker was fined and suspended for his part. Morris and teammate Jimmy Butler also received fines.
So, is that it? Dust your hands off, turn the page, and look forward to the rest of the season?
Not quite. Markieff’s twin brother Marcus Morris – who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers – wanted to have his say.
The Clippers and Nuggets don’t play each other until Boxing Day, so it’s possible that this is all resolved by then anyway. After all, the Heat and Nuggets meet again first (November 29th), so Markieff will likely be able to do… whatever it is he wants to do.
Regardless, Jokic’s two brother wanted to make one thing clear – Marcus isn’t the only brother willing to step to the plate in this feud.
The exchange then went a little further…
How will this all play out? Only time will tell. At least this is sort of a story about brotherly love, right?
(H/T Uproxx)
