Suns’ Markieff Morris, Archie Goodwin downplay shoving match
Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris and guard Archie Goodwin downplayed Thursday their bench altercation during a 112–104 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
On Wednesday, Morris shoved Goodwin during a timeout less than three minutes into the game. Phoenix went on to lose its ninth straight game, the Suns’ 24th defeat in their last 26 contests.
Morris described the shoving match as a fight amongst brothers on Thursday.
“That’s part of being a leader, being a big brother. Sometimes, little brothers and big brothers get into it,” Morris said. “That’s my little brother. I’ve been here with [Goodwin] for three years. I know him really well. I know his family. We’re really close. It happens sometimes.”
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Interim coach Earl Watson said the team is “not split” and described Morris and Goodwin’s relationship as “unique,” but acknowledged they must control their emotions. Goodwin said him and Morris are “great friends.”
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“He’s like a brother to me. It’s just one of those situations,” Goodwin said. “Family fight but that doesn’t mean I don’t love him any more or any less.”
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The Suns dropped to 14–40 after their loss to the Warriors, and reside in 14th place in the Western Conference. Phoenix fired Jeff Hornacek, who had coached the team since 2013, on Feb. 1.
