The NBA game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies descended into chaos as two star players clashed on the court and had to be separated by players and staff from both teams.
On Thursday, the Cavaliers secured a dominant 128-113 win over the Grizzlies. Both franchises are enjoying impressive seasons, with Cleveland sitting fifth in the east while Memphis are second in a competitive Western Conference.
However, the contest between two young and exciting teams was marred as Donovan Mitchell and Grizzlies enforcer Dillon Brooks collided in a dramatic scuffle. The Cleveland and Memphis benches were cleared as people frantically attempted to calm the duo down in order for the game to resume.
The incident occurred midway through the third quarter when Brooks drove to the basket while pressured by Mitchell and Cavs teammate Evan Mobley. Mobley forced the Memphis wing to miss, while Brooks fell to the floor.
Mitchell attempted to move downcourt after snatching the rebound, but a prone Brooks appeared to stop his attempts illegally - which incensed the All-Star. The 26-year-old threw the ball at his opponent before the two went at it.
Mitchell then shoved Brooks, who had risen to his feet, to ignite a far more aggressive battle between the pair. Figures from both teams intervened and Brooks was ultimately tackled by a Grizzlies staff member.
Head official Tony Brothers announced shortly after that the players had been ejected from the contest. It remains to be seen whether the NBA will enforce any further penalties on either play, such as a fine or suspension.
The Cavs led 81-76 when Mitchell was thrown from the game, and Cleveland actually managed to extend their margin of victory to win by 15 come the final buzzer. Mitchell’s fellow guard Darius Garland scored a game-high 32 points, while Mobley tallied 14 rebounds as Memphis were without big men Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr., who was named to the upcoming All-Star Game.
It's not the first time Brooks has been involved in an altercation recently. NFL legend and FOX Sports personality Shannon Sharpe had to be restrained by security when the Grizzlies faced the Los Angeles Lakers as he exchanged words with the 27-year-old.
The 32-22 Cavaliers take on the Indiana Pacers on Sunday in their next clash, while the Grizzlies - who possess a 32-20 record - also return to action at the same time when they welcome the Toronto Raptors to Memphis.
