Knicks forward Marcus Morris pulled out the most disrespectful move in his toolbox against Wizards guard Justin Anderson on Monday in a preseason game. It led to his ejection — and a dose of laughter and criticism around the NBA.
After exchanging trash talk with Anderson throughout the contest, Morris whacked Anderson in the head with the basketball while being closely guarded. His actions started a mini-fracas, and he was assessed a flagrant 2.
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Morris didn’t back down after the game, saying that while he may have taken things too far, he’s also “not taking any s—” from his opponents this year.
Some people online felt Anderson had grounds to fight Morris for the knock to the face, even criticizing him for maintaining relative calm afterward.
Wizards teammate Bradley Beal was simply in awe of Morris’ audacity.
“Whatever happened is between him and JA,” Beal told reporters. “But you can expect that from the (Morris) twins. Crazy in the preseason, though.”
NBA player reactions from social media
Here is a sampling of how the league reacted to the antics. The below comments were posted in reply to a highlight of the play on Instagram.
Some players, such as Damian Lillard, laughed at the highlight. Others, such as J.R. Smith, were upset they weren’t signed with a team while Morris was employed.
Deron Williams:
BR Instagram
https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/1f/37/deron-williams-instagram_1uzm7cp0h8go71gihklelw2v50.png?t=-1446240547&w=500&quality=80
Jeff Green:
BR Instagram
https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/23/4c/jeff-green-instagram_17nkixuhun1x71oexwh9fndt5v.png?t=-1446240547&w=500&quality=80
J.R. Smith:
BR Instagram
https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/9/a5/jr-smith-instagram_10hqb2sp8pubwzqw5rfetszjf.png?t=-1446241627&w=500&quality=80
Damian Lillard:
BR Instagram
https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/c1/88/damian-lillard-instagram_e712v5bgn8mu1ee1nx9crx38y.png?t=-1446241627&w=500&quality=80
Dorrel Wright:
BR Instagram
https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/5/53/dorell-wright-instagram_4cn25g3dzlxk10hovod5odks8.png?t=-1446242675&w=500&quality=80
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