The second-round series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors has taken a surprisingly brutal tone. Both teams have been playing physically, leading to more fouls for each side. The worst instance, though, happened in Game 2, and it wasn't a pretty sight for both teams.
In Game 2, Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks went up to contest Warriors guard Gary Payton II's shot. The contest was full of contact, and Payton II came down hard on his elbow. It was a controversial foul that saw many fans accuse Brooks of being a dirty player. The news of Payton suffering a fractured elbow due to the said incident only made the backlash worse.
For what it's worth, at least one Grizzlies player admitted that the foul was unnecessary. Brandon Clarke talked to Rob Lowe about the Dillon Brooks incident, and relayed his thoughts on the matter: (via NBC Sports)
“I watched it again, and Dillon definitely fouled him way too hard and did something that he shouldn’t have done. But it’s tough. There’s obviously falls every game that could definitely result in somebody getting hurt, but you really don’t want to see somebody get hurt off a flagrant, obviously. I know that Dillon feels bad. It’s just a real bad part of the game, but hopefully, we all can move on from that.”
As much as people want to believe that it was a dirty hit, it's very likely not the case. Brooks likely just went up for the contest to prevent a layup, without any malicious intent whatsoever. It's unfortunate that this epic Grizzlies-Warriors series will be tainted with this incident, but injuries are part of the game.
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