The Lakers game against the Grizzlies got heated in the first quarter after Anthony Davis shoved Santi Aldama on the baseline. This led to a team-wide scuffle that led to referees handing out technical fouls to not only Davis and Aldama, but also D’Angelo Russell, Desmond Bane, and Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins.
In-Season Tournament pic.twitter.com/MXlCcou8Nv
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 15, 2023
This follows the slew of ejections from the Warriors vs. Timberwolves game, which saw a fight break out between Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels, one that ended with Draymond Green putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold.
NBA action this evening has gotten heated in both of these games. Whether it’s the competitiveness of the In-Season Tournament or just high tempers from these burgeoning rivalries in the West. The Lakers and Grizzlies matched up in the 2023 Playoffs, where the Lakers upset the No. 2 seed Grizzlies in the first round with a 4-2 series win.
Ja Morant Seemingly Reacts To The Scuffle
The intensity of this matchup seems to be something Ja Morant enjoys. He shared a post on X with just a smiley face, making his intentions unclear. It can be determined that Morant liked the fire his struggling team showed, with Aldama initially being feisty with Davis and then his co-star Bane and head coach Jenkins defending Aldama and also being punished as a result.
https://twitter.com/JaMorant/status/1724637902892945472
He also shared a bear emoji, showing solidarity with the Grizzlies.
🐻
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) November 15, 2023
The Grizzlies won’t be happy about the action on the court. They’re trailing the Lakers 26-37 at the end of the first quarter, the first Lakers lead at the end of a first quarter all season. Given how badly the Grizzlies have started this season, this outcome isn’t surprising with the Lakers’ status as contenders in the West. They’re looking to go a game above .500 with a win tonight and keep themselves undrafted in the In-Season Tournament.
Marcus Smart Suffered An Injury
The Grizzlies’ woes went from bad to worse during this game, as Marcus Smart picked up an ankle injury and has been ruled out of the game. He landed on Austin Reaves’ foot trying to contest a pass and has suffered a left ankle injury, with more updates likely to come out later in the game or even tomorrow.
“Smart suffered a left ankle injury, landing on Austin Reaves’ foot. He is doubtful to return, sources tell ESPN.”
Smart suffered a left ankle injury, landing on Austin Reaves’ foot. He is doubtful to return, sources tell ESPN https://t.co/NvDq9fcCsk
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 15, 2023
This season is looking to go from bad to worse for the Grizzlies, who have been plagued with horrible luck this season. Not only will they miss Ja Morant for 14 more games due to his 25-game suspension, but they’ll also spend some time without the replacement guard they hoped would keep the ship steady in Smart.
Video of Marcus Smart’s ankle injury. Doesn’t look good pic.twitter.com/dkycal4HXU
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) November 15, 2023
The team has also suffered various injuries, with Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke leaving a gaping hole in their center rotation. Though they signed Bismack Biyombo as a replacement and he’s done well, the Grizzlies simply don’t have enough to be competitive right now. Maybe it changes after Morant’s return, but the Grizzlies may be in too deep a hole to climb out of in this ultra-competitive Western Conference playoff race this season.
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