Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks spoke to the media Monday for the first time since injuring Warriors guard Gary Payton II with a Flagrant 2 foul in Game of the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors and Grizzlies are set to tip of Game 4 at 7 p.m. PT on Monday night and you can hear the action on 95.7 The Game:
The foul occurred last Tuesday, when Brooks swiped at Payton’s head as he went up for a lay-up in transition. Payton landed hard on his left elbow and fractured it, while also suffering some tissue and muscle damage.
Brooks told reporters that he’s yet to speak with Payton, but wishes the play never happened. Jason Dumas of KRON4 shared video of Brooks from Monday.
“It’s in the past,” Brooks said. “I didn’t mean for it to injure somebody. If I were to take it back in that moment, I would. But it’s in the past. We’re on to Game 4.”
Brooks also gave his account of the play, which drew sharp criticism from players, coaches and pundits alike.
“I tried to make a play on the ball,” Brooks said. “He was running full speed and I jumped and he adjusted. It’s a fast-paced game. Stuff happens. Guys jump up in the air and guys contest shots. Sometimes the way the play is, it falls and you fall down. He tried to brace his fall with his arm. It’s a tough play. Like I said before, I’d take it back if I could. But I can’t take it back.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr blasted Brooks after the game, saying he “broke the code.” Ja Morant used the same language in a deleted tweet following Game 3, while sharing a video of Jordan Poole injuring his knee. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins reportedly lobbied for the NBA to hand down discipline on Poole, but he has avoided any suspension or fines.
Dumas also shared video of Morant hobbling around the team’s shootaround, as he is listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report for Game 4.
With Brooks’ return to the Memphis lineup, he’s sure to hear an earful from the crowd every time he touches the ball Monday night. Steve Kerr said the Warriors won’t retaliate against Brooks in any fashion, but the atmosphere is sure to be hostile for Brooks.
“Just take every game the same way,” Brooks said. “I like getting booed. I like guys against me. It gets me going even more. Just gotta stay on the playbook, stay focused into the game and I already know it’s going to come. It doesn’t faze me really.”
