Marcus Morris 'Not Apologizing for S--t;' Denies Trying to Injure Luka Doncic

Joseph Zucker @@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistAugust 26, 2020

Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) drives against Los Angeles Clippers' Marcus Morris Sr. (31) during the first quarter of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)

Kevin C. Cox/Associated Press

Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris denied intentionally attempting to injure Dallas Maverick star Luka Doncic during the Clippers' 154-111 win on Tuesday night in the 2020 NBA playoffs.

Morris jogged over to guard Doncic on an inbounds pass in the third quarter. In the process, he stepped on Doncic's left foot. The Mavs guard sprained his left ankle earlier in the series, leading some to wonder whether Morris was targeting the injury.

He addressed the situation after the game, saying the implication "is crazy to me" and that he's "not apologizing for s--t because I know what I put into this game day in and day out."

Marcus Morris @MookMorris2
I play this game with a level of respect for myself and other players. To think I would try to injure somebody is crazy to me. 10 years going against the best. I stand on morals and hard work. I compete and leave it out there every game.

Marcus Morris @MookMorris2
Basketball has never been that serious to try to hurt somebody. Im not apologizing for shit because I know what I put into this game day in and day out. It was a mistake deal wit it. Competing is why I play.

Doncic gave Morris the benefit of the doubt to some extent, telling reporters he "hope[s] it wasn't intentional."

FOX Sports Southwest @FOXSportsSW
"I don't want to talk to him. He's just saying a lot of bad stuff to me... I just hope it wasn't intentional. If that was intentional.. that's really bad." Luka Doncic addresses Marcus Morris stepping on his injured ankle in game 5. @dallasmavs | #WholeNewGame https://t.co/CqhqxWEAfM

The two appeared to have a brief argument on the court in Game 1, which indirectly led to Kristaps Porzingis' ejection after he received his second technical foul for getting involved.

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ESPN @espn
A scrum broke out after this play between Luka and Marcus Morris. https://t.co/41gZIGsGCp

The Mavericks and Clippers return to action on Thursday for Game 6. Los Angeles can close out the series with a win.