In a heated matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies, an unusual and controversial moment unfolded that left players and fans stunned. Kings guard De’Aaron Fox was called for a flagrant foul after he inadvertently pulled Scotty Pippen Jr.’s hair while attempting to defend a layup.
De’Aaron Fox pulled Scottie Pippen Jr’s hair to stop the layup 💀 pic.twitter.com/zpPLRBq3Bs
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) January 4, 2025
The play occurred in the second quarter as Pippen Jr. drove aggressively to the basket. Fox, in an attempt to challenge the shot, ended up making contact with Pippen’s head and inadvertently pulling his hair. The bizarre moment was quickly reviewed by officials, who assessed a flagrant foul 1 against Fox, as his actions were deemed unnecessary and far from a basketball play.
Pippen Jr. appeared momentarily shaken but stayed in the game, sinking the subsequent free throws awarded for the flagrant foul. The Grizzlies’ bench and players expressed their displeasure with Fox’s actions, with several teammates appearing ready to confront him before the situation de-escalated.
Fox, known for his competitive fire but typically clean play, seemed to accept the ruling without protest. However, the moment added intensity to an already high-scoring and tightly contested game.
The Sacramento Kings eventually outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling 138-133 victory at the Golden 1 Center. The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with both teams lighting up the scoreboard in a contest that featured 38 combined three-pointers. Sacramento improved to 16-19, while Memphis fell to 23-12.
Malik Monk led the way for the Kings with 31 points, including several clutch buckets down the stretch. DeMar DeRozan added 29 points, and Fox contributed 23 despite the controversial flagrant foul. Sacramento’s bench also played a key role, with Trey Lyles scoring 16 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting night.
For the Grizzlies, Jaylen Wells had a career night, dropping 30 points on 8-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc in a homecoming performance. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 28 points before fouling out late in the game, and Desmond Bane contributed 22 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds.
The hair-pulling incident will likely remain a talking point, but it overshadowed an otherwise thrilling game between two talented teams. With both squads battling for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, games like these underscore the intensity and unpredictability of the NBA.
For Fox, the focus now shifts to maintaining his composure and leading the Kings forward. For the Grizzlies, cleaning up turnovers and defensive lapses will be key as they continue their road trip.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
