Markieff Morris got into a physical altercation with teammate Archie Goodwin during the Suns loss to the Warriors yesterday.
Then, Morris flipped off a Phoenix fan.
This might not have been a low point for the Suns, who’ve had a miserable season due in part to Morris problems. But if it wasn’t, it was close.
At least everyone was on the same page in characterizing the scuffle (videos via Bright Side of the Sun):
Suns coach Earl Watson:
There was one point in the year where those two lived together. They’re closest on the team. They’re like big brother, little brother.
We have to control our emotions. Other than that, those two are really close. There’s no in between. The team is not split. Those two are the closest on the team. They have a bond. They have a unique relationship.
I wouldn’t saying it was a fight. I would say it was a pushing match, what I saw. I’ve never seen NBA players really fight.
Markieff was trying to motivate Archie.
Morris:
That’s nothing. That’s part of being a leader, being a big brother. Sometimes, big brothers and little brothers get into it.
What happened wasn’t supposed to happen. Wrong place, wrong time. But that’s my little brother. I’ve been here with him for three years, and I know him really well. I know his family, and we’re a little closer. And it happens sometimes.
Big brothers shake little brothers up sometimes. It happens.
No, it don’t look good. But nothing I do is going to look good. Like I’m telling you all, it’s between us. We’re family.
Like I said, I apologized to him. And I like I said, that’s my little brother. We’re going to move forward, no hard feelings.
[What Goodwin said when Morris apologized] I love you. That’s what I said to him. No hard feelings.
Ain’t no, ain’t any of that bull, BS be talking about choking somebody.
Goodwin:
Family. It happens. I love him like a brother. He loves me. That’s all there is to say about it. No more comments.
When someone asked him about Morris choking him, Goodwin walked away.
I’m not sold on the choking charges. You can pause the video at the right moment, and Morris’ hand is on Goodwin’s neck. But it’s quick, and it’s while Goodwin is standing up. I don’t see credible evidence Morris tried to choke Goodwin.
But these quotes paint a far rosier picture than the video presented. I’m hardly convinced everything is as hunky dory as the Suns say. There was a lot of frustration behind that dispute.
That said, it’s meaningful Morris and Goodwin both told the same “brother” story – true or not. At best, it’s accurate, and they’ll be fine going forward. At worst, they were cool enough with each other to present a nice message to the public.
And even if it’s that worst-case scenario, that’s far better than what could’ve been – especially for Phoenix this season.
