Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell was shot in the groin area against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night.
He responded with his own podium shots after the game.
Donovan Mitchell, #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, looks to pass the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 2, 2023 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
(David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mitchell was ejected in the third quarter after throwing the basketball at Grizzlies guard Dillon Brookswho hit the Cavs guard in the groin after he fell to the ground after missing a layup.
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Brooks and Mitchell fought to the ground before they were both ejected from the game.
«That’s How He Is» Mitchell said of Brooks after the game when asked if he felt it was a cheap shot. «We’ve seen him a lot in this league with him. He and I have had our personal battles for years. Frankly, I’ve been busting his ass for years. Playoffs, regular season. He does a (good) job on me today, he decides to do something like that. .
Teammates joke with Dillon Brooks, number 24 of the Memphis Grizzlies, after she was ejected for fighting with Donovan Mitchell, number 45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, during the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 2, 2023 in Cleveland . The Cavaliers defeated the Grizzlies 128-113.
(Jason Miller/Getty Images)
«There’s no place for that in the game. And you have to protect yourself at the end of the day. This has been brewing for years with me and other guys in the league. Everyone sees it. This is not new.»
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Following Cleveland’s 128-113 win, Cavs head coach JB Bickerstaff called Brooks’ move foul play.
«That was a low blow in a number of ways,» Bickerstaff said when asked about the altercation.
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Dillon Brooks, #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies, fights with Donovan Mitchell, #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, during the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 2, 2023 in Cleveland. Both players were ejected. The Cavaliers defeated the Grizzlies 128-113.
(Jason Miller/Getty Images)
«A guy should have the right to defend himself. I thought Donovan did that. I’m proud of our guys. We don’t have those guys who start s—, but we do have guys who don’t run.» of s —. And you have to in this league. You have to defend yourself. That’s what he did, and his teammates supported him.»
Brooks refused to address the altercation after the loss, the seventh loss in eight games for Memphis.