LA Lakers guard Patrick Beverley body checked Deandre Anton after the Phoenix Suns center looked down Austin Leaves on Tuesday. The spirited Beverley didn’t like the disrespect Anton and Devin Booker revealed Leaves.
Here’s what he said in a postgame interview about the whole occurrence:
The dust up occurred with 3:55 left in the game, with the Lakers tracking 106-96 when Leaves drove the baseline however was obstructed by Booker. Bookers hand hit Leaves in the face, which required LA’s point player to strike the deck in pain.
The Leaves occurrence was the boiling point of a heated back-and-forth that went on amongst Booker, Beverley, Anton and Anthony Davis. It was simply unfortunate that the simple and peaceful Leaves was caught in the crossfire.
Following the review, Devin Booker was examined with a technical foul for striking Austin Leaves face while Patrick Beverley was tossed out of the game. Beverley left the court before the evaluation was completed, understanding totally well he would be ejected.
It was reasonable play, which led to Bookers stare down of Leaves. Deandre Anton, who grabbed the rebound after the miss, did the very same thing as Booker did. Patrick Beverley came out of nowhere to level Anton, who was standing over the prone Leaves.
Darwin Ham defends Patrick Beverley and his group
Darwin Ham, who got a reputation during his playing profession as a hard, no-nonsense gamer, backed up Patrick Beverley’s actions.
Here’s what he had to say about the altercation late in the video game that triggered Beverley’s ejection:
Ham has his team contending on the majority of nights, in some cases revealing grit and, in the case against the Phoenix Suns, an actual battle. The Lakers seemingly sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA on Tuesday that they may stop working to reach the playoffs, but will definitely not be disrespected.
Last season, the LA Lakers frequently looked lackadaisical. Groups would often simply play tough and play physical on them, and they would just wilt or fold under pressure.
It was reasonable play, which led to Bookers stare down of Leaves. Deandre Anton, who got the rebound after the miss, did the very same thing as Booker did. Patrick Beverley came out of no place to level Anton, who was standing over the vulnerable Leaves.