The second-round series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden Stae Warriors promised to be one of the most exciting clashes of the post-season. In many ways, it has delivered exactly what the fans expected in terms of fierce competition. However, neither fanbase would have thought their players will be making dirty plays to injure opponents.
It started when Dillon Brooks swiped at Gary Payton II while he went up the rim and broke his elbow. Now, it looks like Jordan Poole grabbed Morant’s knee while trying to defend him in Game 3, causing Morant to be sidelined with a knee injury himself.
Morant alleged that Poole internationally made that move, with the community of fans split into two camps. Poole’s teammate Klay Thompson decided to speak about the foul after the game and supported his young teammate.
Klay Thompson started laughing when he heard Ja Morant tweeted that Jordan Poole broke the code.
"I don't even think he's strong enough to affect somebody's knee. We're not out there trying to hurt people, or trying to club people in the back of the head on a fast break." pic.twitter.com/Srz8FZurJ1
— Sam (@sammyhustle) May 8, 2022
“I don’t even think he’s strong enough to affect somebody’s knee. We’re not out there trying to hurt people, or trying to club people in the back of the head on a fast break.”
Thompson has a very fraught recent injury history, with him spending a year out for a torn ACL before also tearing his Achilles’ as he did rehab. Thompson understands the value of injuries and how significantly they can alter your future, so he wouldn’t expect Poole to try and hurt a young star like Morant.
The footage from the game has caused fans to imply Morant hurt his knee on a close-out prior to the play where Ja got grabbed. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Poole made a mistake with this foul, even if it didn’t cause injury.
Thompson threw plenty of shade towards the Grizzlies’ comments on clubbing people in the back of the head. With their dominant Game 3 win, GSW will be excited to try and take a 3-1 lead before they head back to Memphis.
