The Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors are playing out an incredible series, even though Game 3 resulted in a blowout in favor of the Warriors. Dillon Brooks' absence was a factor in that game after he was suspended following his flagrant foul on Gary Payton II. Coupled with Draymond Green's antics in Game 1, these incidents have given the series a bit of an edge with players and coaches on both sides calling out the other team for playing rough.
During Game 3, there was a point when Jordan Poole was one of two players defending Ja Morant, and he ended up grabbing the young superstar's knee. This saw Ja limp off, and it resulted in comments after the game from the Grizzlies coach as well as Morant himself. Poole has now spoken about the allegations, denying that it was something he did on purpose.
“You know our mentality ... you know, make a play on the ball. It’s unfortunate. You never want to see that type of stuff. Obviously, it’s not done by – no one is out here dirty. No one is out here like that. But it’s just unfortunate … You know the code. Talk about the code all series at this point.
“It was a basketball play when we doubled him,” Poole said. “And I hit the ball, and I was going for the ball. I mean, obviously, you don’t want to see anybody get hurt. I’m not even that type of player. I respect everybody.”
There hasn't been anything to suggest that Morant won't be playing again in the series, which is the main thing for the Grizzlies. Poole doesn't have a history of making questionable plays either, so for the most part, it can likely be put down to an accident. In any case, tensions are running high in this series and with at least 2 more games to go, this promises to be far from the last flashpoint.
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