GrizzliesForward Dillon BrooksThe NBA suspended him for one game with no pay because of his flagrant foul on Gary Payton IIMemphis’ playoff series vs. the Warriors.
Brooks was suspended for Saturday’s Game 3 after he was ejected Tuesday from the NBA for a flagrant 2 foul. The elbow fractured Payton’s left elbow. Brooks was ejected Tuesday for a flagrant 2 foul that fractured Payton’s left elbow. The NBA announced Thursday that Brooks had made “unnecessary, excessive contact” with Payton.
Brooks was trying to chase down Payton from behind, on a transition play in Game 2 on Tuesday. He hit Payton in the head in the air while he was still in the quarter.
Sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Payton will miss about a month due to the fractured elbow. Payton may be able to return to the NBA Finals if the Warriors advance to the playoffs.
Steve Kerr is the Warriors’ coach was livid when the foul happenedThe officiating crew was yelling at them. Kerr was heard shouting at Brooks when Brooks was removed.
Kerr told the audience after the game that he didn’t know if the code was intended, but that it was “dirty”. There is a code. This code is for players to follow, where it’s not possible to put a man’s season. [or]He put Gary’s career at risk by taking someone out mid-air and hitting him across the head. He broke the code. Dillon Brooks broke it.”
Brooks, 26, has averaged 13.4 points in eight playoff games. Brooks was Memphis’ second-leading scorer during the regular season with 18.4 points per 32 games.
Memphis began the second half without Brooks. Ziaire WilliamsBrooks, who had 14 points and five boards in Game 2, finished with five rebounds. Brooks was injured and placed in league safety and health protocols, so the Grizzlies will now have to play without Brooks. Brooks missed 50 games this season.