The Western Conference semifinals have heated up. The Golden State Warriors vs the Memphis Grizzlies is giving us what it promised and even more. Stephen Curry and Ja Morant are leading their teams to the best of their capabilities. As such, we have an absolutely tremendous blockbuster of a show on our hands.
The first game ended in a 1 point victory for the Warriors after the ejection of Draymond Green in the second quarter. Steph Curry scored 24 and had a crucial block and a steal against Morant with 20 or so seconds on the clock. Before that, Klay Thompson buried a vital three-pointer with 30 something seconds remaining. Then in the last seconds hustled defensively, causing Ja Morant to miss the lay up which would have won them the game. But the second game had a different outcome.
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The Memphis Grizzlies won the game by 5 points, but it was a close game once again till the very end. Steph Curry scored 27 and Jordan Poole got 20. Klay Thompson uncharacteristically had a poor game. On the other hand, Ja Morant scored 47 massive points with 8 assists and 8 rebounds to unbelievably carry the Grizzlies.
WATCH THIS STORY: Top 10 unbelievable dunks by Morant.
However, the game was not all skillful. We also saw the ugly side of the game, the physical and the dirty side. This unfortunately involved a severe injury to Gary Payton II.
Dillon Brooks to be judged for further punishment for flagrant 2 on Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II had to leave the arena in the 3rd minute itself as did Dillon Brooks. The Grizzlies jersey number 24 reached towards Gary with speed to stop his lay up. Dillon hit his head hard, which took the momentum of both the players and made Gary fall badly on his left elbow. Reportedly, a fracture is being diagnosed in his landing elbow, for which further action could be taken against Brooks.
The NBA will have a decision to make on further punishment for Dillon Brooks, who was ejected for the flagrant 2 foul that led to Payton’s injury. https://t.co/DnQLRJtyJj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 4, 2022
?The NBA will have a decision to make on further punishment for Dillon Brooks, who was ejected for the flagrant 2 foul that led to Payton?s injury.?Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
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Also read: Draymond Green shows frustration over ejection in game 1.
Gary Payton II was turning out to be a vital part of their roster, as proved in the last game. He had a lot of defensive inputs and had effected many turnovers. Steve Kerr was obviously pissed.
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) May 4, 2022
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Steve Kerr said that the game was not physical but more on the dirty side. He said that he knew that playoff games are physical and everyone gives their all to win. However, he could not understand and be at peace with the fact Dillon Brooks made such a lunge towards Gary. For him ?putting somebody?s season and career in jeopardy by taking out somebody mid air and clubbing him across the head ultimately fracturing Gary?s elbow? was uncalled for and unacceptable. The Warriors and Steve would miss Gary now for the series and the rest of the playoffs if they go through. The Warriors are back at home for game 3 and the battle has gotten even more fierce now.