Despite the long-term absence of one of their important veteran players, Markieff Morris, the Miami Heat have been playing at a high level this season. At present, they occupy first place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference with a 45-24 record, despite losing their most recent matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite the loss, there was a special moment for the Heat. It was the return of Markieff Morris to the lineup for the first time after 4 months. Moreover, his return sparked a frenzy on Twitter since it was his first appearance on the court since the altercation with Nikola Jokic and his brothers.
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Fans React to Markieff Morris’ Return
Back in November 2021, Morris was shoved down to the floor after a hard foul on Nikola Jokic. This led to a series of Twitter exchanges between Marcus Morris and the Jokic brothers. Since then, Morris has been absent with a neck injury. However, his return after a 4-month absence sent Twitter berserk.
WATCH THIS STORY: While Being a 7 Ft Menace on Court for Opponents, Nikola Jokic Has a Lovable Family With Wife Natalija Macesic and Toddler, Daughter
Some fans reacted in support of Morris. They claimed that Jokic would suffer the same fate as Morris and that he should be banned from the league.
Jokic will get his karma soon
— 3 (@Flashbaka) March 12, 2022
Jokic will get what he deserves
— AI 🧬 | Longtime Sixers Fan (@AIxAnalyst) March 12, 2022
Jokic should be banned this season from the league bruh! https://t.co/ptT3UqAwZP
— DurMcdonalds (@kdburneracco) March 13, 2022
On the other hand, many fans spoke against Markieff Morris. They deemed him as ‘soft’ and added that he was overreacting.
Soft
— Brick Van Axel (@33ornothing) March 12, 2022
Lol he hasn’t played since then because of whiplash? Sofffftttt
— alsexypoopichesti (@alsexypoopiche1) March 12, 2022
Bro attacked and cried about being pushed back 😭
— 𝕵𝖆𝖗𝖎💕🥷🏽 (@Jari2Fly) March 12, 2022
However, there were fans who took neither side. They simply laughed at the incident between the two players.
Funnier than any comics https://t.co/cVuqc1F5sj
— SoyLago (@_ekky_52_) March 13, 2022
https://t.co/aJ6qyakYHZ pic.twitter.com/SkTAiNG2a5
— rob werk (@robbyballgame) March 12, 2022
— Conor McCormick-Cavanagh (@ConorMichael28) March 12, 2022
Clearly, the Twitterverse has expressed a mixed bag of opinions regarding the incident. Regardless of all the trolling, fans and teams will hope that no such events take place in the future. This is true, especially since the playoffs are arriving soon.
The Miami Heat this season
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Despite losing out on Morris’ presence for 4 months, nothing has stopped the Heat from rising to the top. Moreover, even after their loss against the Timberwolves, they still have a 7-3 record over the last 10 games. Clearly, Jimmy Butler and Co., are strong challengers for the title.
Moreover, players like Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, and Caleb Martin have all stepped up this season. Additionally, even Tyler Herro has shown his strength this year. Furthermore, with Victor Oladipo returning from injury, the Heat doesn’t appear to back down.
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Going forward, the franchise will aim to secure its place at the top of the standings. This will ensure a relatively easier run in the playoffs. Overall, Miami has a strong chance to win the title, and it doesn’t look like anything is stopping them.