The Dillon Brooks-LeBron James “beef” continues to define the Memphis Grizzlies’ series with the Los Angeles Lakers. After Saturday night’s all-around embarrassment, you’d hope Brooks would quit while he was never ahead if you were Memphis.
As the Lakers cruised to a 111-101 win — tying the largest lead of 26 points in NBA playoff history after one quarter — Brooks put himself at center stage again. For the very wrong reason.
While defending James in the second half, Brooks reached for a steal and, rather conveniently, hit James in the groin. For many watching, this was a pretty avoidable swipe.
Dillon Brooks hits LeBron in the beans pic.twitter.com/jTJ5q53RBu
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 23, 2023
Whether Brooks meant to hit James like that is probably irrelevant. The Grizzlies’ forward has an established history of similar plays. The league reviewed the play and decided no further punishment was necessary for Brooks.
Brooks was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected for a a shot to James' groin in Game 3 on Saturday night, but league will not suspend Brooks, sources said. https://t.co/rGWNfv9DJu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2023
After the Grizzlies’ loss, Ja Morant discussed Brooks’ play with James. While Morant maintained he wouldn’t be surprised if a suspension was coming, he appeared to clarify that he thought it’d be because Brooks gets unfair treatment.
Grizzlies guard Ja Morant on if he fears Dillon Brooks will get suspended in Game 4: “With how they treat Dillon, I wouldn’t be surprised.” Ja contended that Brooks was reaching for the basketball and didn’t intentionally try to hit LeBron in the groin.
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 23, 2023
“With how they treat Dillon [Brooks], I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he is [suspended]. I felt like he was ejected because of past ejections made in games before."
—Ja Morant, on Brooks' possible suspension for Game 4 vs. Lakers.
(via @MikeAScotto)pic.twitter.com/0XpfHGFNpn
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 23, 2023
Hmm. Call it a hunch, but Brooks is treated this way because he has a precedent of crossing the line. Brooks is treated this way because he specifically puts himself in this kind of “agitator” spotlight. Almost any player would’ve been ejected for punching the groin of their opponent. Full stop.
Morant’s defense of Brooks is so weak. Regardless of whether he is actually suspended, it’s abundantly clear the Grizzlies need to change something up and fast.
