Jordan Poole was the center of attention for Game 3 of the series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors. The third-year guard has been accused of triggering Ja Morant’s knee injury during Saturday’s matchup.
“Obviously, you don’t want to see anybody get hurt, I’m not even that type of player,” Poole said. “I respect everybody.”
Poole scored 27 points off the bench as he helped the Warriors maintain the lead throughout the game. He and Andrew Wiggins trapped Morant near half court before Wiggins was called for a foul with 6:55 left.
Later, Morant left the court with the Grizzlies being down 17 points and 6:19 remaining for the end of the third quarter. Memphis did not share any information on the injury as the team is still evaluating the situation.
“He’s getting evaluated now,” coach Taylor Jenkins said of Morant. “Nothing further. We just watched the replay.
He was going after a dribble and Jordan Poole actually grabbed his knee and yanked it, which kind of triggered whatever happened, so I’m actually going to be very curious to see what happens after that.”
The Grizzlies head coach was referring to the NBA’s decision to suspend Dillon Brooks for Gm3. Brooks hit Gary Payton II in the head in midair during a dunk attempt in Game 2, a play that resulted in Payton fracturing his elbow.
In the aftermath of Payton’s injury, Steve Kerr claimed Brooks broke the code stating that it was clearly a non-basketball play. Brooks was given a flagrant foul 2 and ejected. Upon further review, the league suspended the Grizzlies swingman for one game.
Morant was on the way to another sensational performance. He had 34 points, 7 assists and 3 steals in 36 minutes during Game 3. The two teams will meet again Monday for Game 4 of the series.
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