With 1:55 remaining and the Heat comfortably ahead, Pippen Jr. rose for a three-pointer. As he released the ball, Gardner came from behind and delivered a blindside hit that sent the Grizzlies guard crashing to the floor. No foul was called .
Pippen Jr. rose slowly, then stormed down the court with his finger pointed at Gardner. What followed was chaos: Pippen grabbed Gardner by the neck and shoulders, shoving him into the courtside seats.
Pippen Jr.’s postgame comments stole the show.
“I thought it was kind of a cheap shot,” he told reporters via 5 Reasons Sports. “He kind of hit me when I didn’t see him, so I thought it was a soft move. I just thought he needed a hug on the other end” .
“I don’t think any punches or anything were thrown. I think it was, like I said, a hug. I don’t think it was too crazy. I got ejected. I think it should be left at that, but we’ll see” .
“I don’t know what happened on the three-point shot, just saw Pippen fall,” Spoelstra said. “I just saw the play after that and that looked like 95% Pippen. Let’s just see what it is. I love Myron regardless” .
Gardner, an undrafted rookie in his first NBA season, has not commented publicly on the incident.
Pippen Jr. had been having a solid night before the ejection: 18 points, six assists, and two steals in just 20 minutes . His return to action comes after toe surgery in October sidelined him for months.
The Grizzlies have now lost 11 of their last 14 games, falling to 21-34 on the season. Miami improved to 31-27 with the win .
Both players face potential discipline from the NBA league office. Gardner’s blindside hit could be reviewed as a Flagrant 1, while Pippen Jr.’s retaliatory shove might draw a Flagrant 2 and possible suspension .
“I’m not expecting anything. It was just a hug. I don’t think it was too crazy” .
Whether the NBA agrees with his “hug” characterization remains to be seen. But for one night, the son of a legend gave everyone something to talk about and a smile while doing it.