Tensions are growing between players during the NBA in-season tournament, judging from the shoving matches seen on the court. The tussle between Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert drew most of the headlines, but there was also a standoff between the Lakers and Grizzlies Tuesday night.
Anthony Davis nearly ignited a fight during the first quarter when he shoved Memphis’s Santi Aldama to the floor after the two got tangled up under the basket. Desmond Bane ran over to defend his teammate, getting right in Davis’s chest, and both benches emptied onto the court.
Anthony Davis and the Lakers and Grizzlies turn to start a scuffle 👀pic.twitter.com/xjExvBBhgc
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 15, 2023
Both Davis and Aldama received technical fouls for their skirmish, which outraged Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. That reaction earned him his own technical foul, just days after criticizing officials following a game versus the Jazz.
Davis may have gotten the final word in the standoff with Bane, who may have irritated the Lakers with a bold proclamation in their playoff series last season. Toward the end of the first half, the Lakers forward swatted away a layup attempt by Bane.
ANTHONY DAVIS OUT HERE PLAYING VOLLEYBALL 🏐 pic.twitter.com/Kk7cPdGoLE
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) November 15, 2023
The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies, 134–107, improving to 2–0 in the West Group A standings for the NBA in-season tournament. For the season, their overall record is currently 6–5.
