Donovan Mitchell-Dillon Brooks fight, Cavs call it a ‘cheap shot’
CLEVELAND — The Cavs might not start it. But they’re certainly not going to let it go unanswered, either.
They might not be the team to instigate any trouble or cross any lines with physicality. But they also proved Thursday night that they won’t tolerate it from any other team in the league.
Midway through the third quarter of Thursday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks drove to the hoop, lost the ball and fell to the floor as Donovan Mitchell collected it. Brooks, laying on the floor, rolled over Mitchell’s ankle and swung his hand back, hitting Mitchell directly in the groin.
Mitchell, as he fell, threw the ball at Brooks. Mitchell then quickly and angrily rose to his feet, and the two started pushing one another, with Brooks eventually again falling to the floor and several players, coaches and personnel members from each team joining the altercation.
After a few moments for the refs to review the footage, both Mitchell and Brooks were ejected. As Mitchell walked off the floor, the home crowd gave him a loud ovation.
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Donovan Mitchell criticizes Dillon Brooks for another dirty play
After the game, Mitchell walked to the interview room himself, wanting to make sure he spoke his mind. He didn’t hold back, ripping Brooks for the dirty play. He also made it clear that he’s tired of Brooks’ antics, which have become known around the league and have involved other players.
When asked if he thought it was a cheap shot, Mitchell said matter of factly, “Yeah, for sure.”
“That’s just who he is. We have seen it a bunch in this league with him,” Mitchell said. “Him and I have had our personal battles for years. Quite frankly, I’ve been busting his ass for years. Playoffs. Regular season. And the one game he does an all right job on me today, he decides to do something like that. No place for that in the game.”