February 03, (THEWILL) – The Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies faced off in a highly anticipated match on Thursday, however, the game was marred by a physical altercation between the Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell and the Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks in the third quarter. Both players were promptly ejected from the game.
Despite the altercation, the Cavaliers dominated the rest of the game, closing the match with a 128-113 win. Cavs guard Darius Garland shone in the game, finishing with 32 points and 11 assists, while Evan Mobley led the team with 14 rebounds.
On the other hand, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant led the scoring for Memphis, with 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The Cavaliers now have a 32-22 record and are sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Grizzlies have a 32-20 record and are second in the Western Conference.
Mitchell was asked after the game whether Brooks had “cheap-shotted” him, to which he replied, “Yeah, for sure.” Mitchell went on to explain that the altercation had been brewing for years and that Brooks had resorted to such physicality because he could not guard him.
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff supported Mitchell’s response, stating that a player has the right to stand up for themselves if they are subjected to a cheap shot. Bickerstaff added that he was proud of his team as they do not often start trouble, but they do not run from it either.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
