The Knicks will be without their starting point guard on Saturday against Indiana because Elfrid Payton was suspended for his role in the Knicks-Grizzlies altercation at the end of Wednesday's game.
The league announced on Thursday night that Payton and Memphis' Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marko Guduric have each been suspended one game for their actions in Wednesday night's incident.
Knicks veteran Marcus Morris was also fined $35,000 for his role in the incident and for what the NBA called 'offensive and derogatory' comments made by Morris after the game. Morris said Memphis' Jae Crowder had 'female tendencies' when he spoke to reporters after the Knicks' loss. Crowder was fined $25,000 for his role in the altercation.
Click here for background information on the incident.
The NBA described the punishment this way in its press release: "Payton has been suspended one game without pay for shoving Crowder to the floor while Crowder was in mid-air, for escalating the altercation, and for inappropriate post-game comments. Crowder, who was given a technical foul and ejected from the game, has been fined $25,000 for escalating the on-court altercation by, among other things, shoving Payton. Morris, who received a technical foul and was ejected from the game, has been fined $35,000 for escalating an on-court altercation by shoving Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and for offensive and derogatory comments made to the media following the game. Guduric and Jackson Jr. have each been suspended one game without pay for leaving the bench area during an on-court altercation."
Morris received a rebuke from several WNBA players - and others - for his comments about Crowder. Diana Taurasi shared her thoughts here.
Morris issued an apology on Twitter shortly after making the comments. You can see it here. He also apologized directly to WNBA star Liz Cambage in a series of tweets.
The Knicks released a statement regarding the suspension and fine.
"We understand the NBA's decision to fine and suspend Elfrid Payton, as well as fine Marcus Morris Sr. for their behavior during last night's game. In addition, we agree that Marcus' comments were offensive ad unacceptable. While we do believe his apology was sincere, that type of speech does not reflect the value of respect and inclusion that our organization stands for, and can not be tolerated."
With Payton out on Saturday, it will be interesting to see who the Knicks start at point guard. Dennis Smith Jr., who had drawn interest from some teams - including the Minnesota Timberwolves - has gotten more playing time in recent games. His playing time has come at the expense of Frank Ntilikina, the Knicks' other point guard.