Luka Doncic has been phenomenal for the Dallas Mavericks in his first Playoffs series. The former Rookie of the Year is the leader of the Mavs team and could very well snatch the series from the Clippers. But Doncic’s left ankle injury (which he picked in Game 3) could have gone from bad to worse in Game 5.
In a possession during the third quarter, Marcus Morris accidentally stepped on the shoe of Doncic’s injured ankle. Luckily for Luka, his injury didn’t worsen after this close call. However, many fans and analysts believe that this stunt by Morris was intentional.
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Marcus Morris never intended to step on the ankle of Luka Doncic
Upon receiving constant bashing from the fans, Morris cleared the air regarding his motives.
“I stand on respect, morals, & hard work. I have my family watching this game- I hope he’s okay.”
Further, he said, “I actually apologized right when it happened. The one thing I’m not is a dirty player. I hang my hat on being a hard worker,” said the Clippers forward.
Marcus Morris on claims that he tried to hurt Doncic – "I stand on respect, morals, & hard work. I have my family watching this game… I hope he’s okay. I actually apologized right when it happened. The one thing I'm not is a dirty player. I hang my hat on being a hard worker.” pic.twitter.com/wLHZPZR1Ra
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 26, 2020
Prior to this press conference, Morris tweeted his thoughts and was surprised on receiving such criticism. Morris revealed:
“I play this game with a level of respect for myself and other players. To think I would try to injure somebody is crazy to me. 10 years going against the best. I stand on morals and hard work. I compete and leave it out there every game.”
I play this game with a level of respect for myself and other players. To think I would try to injure somebody is crazy to me. 10 years going against the best. I stand on morals and hard work. I compete and leave it out there every game.
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) August 26, 2020
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“Basketball has never been that serious to try to hurt somebody. Im not apologizing for shit because I know what I put into this game day in and day out. It was a mistake deal wit it. Competing is why I play.” concluded Morris.
Basketball has never been that serious to try to hurt somebody. Im not apologizing for shit because I know what I put into this game day in and day out. It was a mistake deal wit it. Competing is why I play.
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) August 26, 2020
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At first look, it might look that Morris intentionally stepped on Doncic’s ankle intentionally. But Morris has never been known to play cheap tricks on his opponents, and it’s hard to believe a veteran like him will stoop this low.
The Clippers held Doncic to just 22 points in Game 5 and won the game by 43 points. Game 6 will be the deciding factor for this first round matchup. Will the Clippers finish the job or will the Mavs live to fight for another day?
