Cavaliers forward Marcus Morris Sr. was ejected from Monday night's game against the Hornets after throwing a high elbow that flattened Charlotte center Nick Richards. The incident occurred in the second quarter, resulting in a Flagrant-2 foul for Morris.
Despite the ejection, Morris expressed that his intention was not to harm Richards but rather to set a physical tone for the game. He emphasized that he was trying to prevent the Hornets from executing their plays effectively, particularly in the paint.
The Cavaliers, who had been struggling early in the game, rallied after Morris' ejection and went on to secure a significant lead by halftime. This turnaround came on the heels of a lopsided loss to the Heat the previous day.
Morris, who recently joined the Cavaliers on a 10-day contract, saw his ejection as a way to send a message to his new teammates and the league as a whole. He aimed to instill a sense of toughness and resilience in the team, especially with the playoffs approaching.
While acknowledging that his actions could lead to potential disciplinary action from the league, Morris believed that the Cavaliers needed a display of physicality to elevate their performance. He expressed satisfaction with the team's response to the situation and stressed the importance of approaching each game with a playoff mindset.
Looking ahead, Morris indicated a willingness to continue playing aggressively if it meant helping the team succeed. He underscored the need for a competitive edge in every game and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defensive presence.
Overall, Morris' ejection served as a catalyst for the Cavaliers' improved performance and highlighted his commitment to elevating the team's competitiveness as they strive for success in the postseason.
