After the Wizards’ 124-121 loss Monday to the New York Knicks, coach Scott Brooks stressed the need for his team to keep their emotions under control.
The Wizards were called for three technicals — two of which went to Markieff Morris, who was ejected in the team’s first preseason game of the new year.
Morris, though, was still angry in the locker room.
Speaking to reporters postgame, the Wizards forward had some sharp words for Knicks second-round center Mitchell Robinson.
“He’s a stupid ass rookie talking too much,” Morris said. “Obviously, I didn’t like what he said and the refs overplayed it and threw me out.”
In the second quarter, Morris got into a verbal confrontation with Robinson, who was the 38th pick in this year’s draft. The two were quickly separated and were given technicals. When play resumed, Morris was quickly given another tech.
Morris said he didn’t know “what the [expletive]” happened — adding he had no prior history with the rookie.
“I don’t even know him,” Morris said. “I’ve never even seen him before. He just checked in the game. I never even guarded him. I didn’t even know there was a Mitchell on their team. I didn’t even know anything about it. “
Markieff Morris on being ejected for exchanging words with Mitchell Robinson: “That stupid-ass rookie talking too much” 👀 pic.twitter.com/2Adm2RVLsq
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) October 2, 2018
Over the last two seasons, Morris has received 33 technicals, 14 of which came during the 2017-18 season.
The heavy total, in part, is why Brooks has repeatedly urged the Wizards to do a better job of keeping their emotions in check. He did so again after Monday’s loss.
Wizards guard Bradley Beal was also assessed a technical with 5:52 left before halftime.
“It’s just not good,” Brooks said. “It’s not a good look. … We have to make sure we can control our emotions. They’re not trying to call a bad call. I mean, we all make mistakes. … It’s about playing a style we want to play and keeping our composure. It doesn’t do any good to give up points.”
Brooks said he talked about it with Morris, who said he understood his coach’s message. But he didn’t back down from his actions, either.
“I’m supposed to be the bigger person,” Morris said. “But what [Robinson] said crossed the line as a man, and I wasn’t feeling it. So regardless of the situation, I was wrong for approaching him, but it happens like that sometimes.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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