Some bad news for the Grizzlies as guard Dillon Brooks has been suspended for Game 3 without pay for making unnecessary and excessive contact on Warriors guard Gary Payton II.
Payton fractured his elbow in the first quarter of the Warriors’ Game 2 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The injury came as a result of Brooks winding up and making contact with Payton’s head on a transition layup attempt, causing a hard fall. Brooks was issued a Flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game.
“I don’t know if it was intentional, but it was dirty,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game.
Payton will miss at least three weeks with a fractured left elbow. An MRI showed he also has slight ligament damage. Warriors forward Draymond Green was fined $25,000 for “directing an obscene gesture toward the spectator stands,” the NBA also announced.
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Memphis’ Plan Without Brooks
Some adjustments were made in game 2 after he was ejected. Memphis preferred him as the primary defender for Steph Curry but that has to change now. The Grizzlies are also waiting to see how Desmond Bane’s back is feeling, as well. Bane was questionable for Game 2 with a lower-back injury and struggled throughout the game.
Kyle Anderson would be the most likely player to fill in. Anderson started the second half of Game 2 after Brooks was ejected. He provides a different look. Brooks didn’t shoot a great percentage from deep this year, but he lets them fly. Anderson is more of a playmaker than Brooks. Not a great shooter but he will have to find his range to help the team.
The Warriors and Steph Curry in particular must take advantage of Brooks’ absence and try to get his shots falling this time. Should be an exciting watch.
