The on court altercation between Dillon Brooks and Donovan Mitchell during the Cavaliers’ 128-113 win over the Grizzlies on Thursday has resulted in unpleasant consequences for the players. Brooks, who allegedly start the fight, was punished for one game.
According to a statement issued by the league on Friday, Mitchell, on the other hand, will be fined $20,000 for his misconduct.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/NvSOrOpCzZ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 3, 2023
Brooks punched Mitchell in the groin in an “unsportsmanlike manner” after missing a layup and falling to the ground, according to the league’s statement. Mitchell responded by throwing the game ball and pushing Brooks. Things continued to grow wild, as seen in the video below. Brooks even tackled one of his own coaches, who looked to be attempting to break up the brawl.
Things got heated between Donovan Mitchell and Dillon Brooks in Cleveland 👀
The scuffle resulted in both players getting ejected. pic.twitter.com/mhK321t6RQ
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 3, 2023
After the court was cleared, officials thoroughly investigated the incident. Brooks was called for a flagrant 2 foul, and both he and Mitchell were removed.
During postgame media availability, both teams made some nasty comments. After the game, Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff defended Mitchell, saying that Brooks did a “cheap shot in multiple ways. “Mitchell said that he had been “busting [Brooks’] a** for years” and urged the NBA to “do something about” his on-court behavior. The Cavaliers guard referred to “other guys” in the NBA who had witnessed Brooks make inappropriate contact.
When Brooks was asked about the altercation, All-Star Ja Morant reportedly interjected and said the Grizzlies would not talk about the incident. “Anything when it comes to negative about the Grizzlies, we normally, you know, get the punishment,” Morant said. “It ain’t the same. They [the NBA] hate us.” Brooks didn’t have anything to say on his defense as well.
Morant took to Twitter a little more than 15 minutes after the league issued its announcement, with both a thinking and laughing emoji that may have been in reference to the ruling — or not.
🤔😂
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) February 4, 2023
Memphis’ Brooks ended with nine points and two rebounds, while Mitchell finished with six points on 2-of-11 shooting. The suspended Grizzlies forward will make his return against the Chicago Bulls on February 7.
Who do you think is to blame for this nasty on-court altercation? Share your thoughts in the comment.
