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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Phoenix Suns star Dillon Brooks was ejected from Friday night's NBA Cup game after kicking the Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray in the groin. That stirred up online debates over whether the ejection was deserved.
The play occurred in the game's third quarter with the Nuggets leading 84-76. Brooks had the ball near the corner of the court and went up for a jump shot. Brooks extended his leg on the shot and seemingly kicked Murray between the legs.
The Nuggets star immediately fell to the court, clutching his groin area. Referees reviewed the incident and assessed Brooks a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in his ejection from the game.
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"I don't know. ... I got kicked. I can't call it for them," Murray said of Brooks getting ejected. "I don't even know what to expect. I don't know the rule to be honest with you."
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Brooks promptly headed back to the locker room for an early shower after a referee announced that the Suns star had "overtly" kicked Murray, resulting in a Flagrant 2. However, Murray later said he didn't believe it was intentional.
"No, of course not," Murray said when asked if he felt Brooks' kick was deliberate, adding, "He was shooting the ball, maybe flopping a little bit. I don't think he really tried to kick me in the [expletive], though."
Murray said he and Brooks were trash-talking each other throughout the game, but also admitted they "always talk" and are "buddies."
The Nuggets picked up a 127-120 win in their NBA Cup game and improved their record to 3-2. Murray finished with a team-high 39 points along with eight rebounds and five assists.
Brooks' game ended in the third quarter, and he was playing well for the Suns. He made nine of 12 field goals, including four 3-pointers, for 22 points.
His ejection sparked debate among fans online, with some criticizing his actions and others defending his shooting motion, arguing that the play didn't warrant such a serious foul.
"Nah kick this dude outta the league he not even that good fr," one commenter replied to an Underdog NBA X post.
"This is normal shooting motion for DB. Bad call," another commenter replied.
"Dillon 'Dynasty' Brooks always doing some clown [expletive] when his team needs him to win," one commenter replied to BrickCenter's X post.
Brooks' early ejection likely hurt his team's chances of competing with a Nuggets team that has been among the Western Conference's best in recent seasons.
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