Marcus Morris Hopes Ejection Sends Message To Cavaliers

Marcus Morris is ready to see the Cleveland Cavaliers become a more physical team.

Mar 25, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (24) dribbles beside Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) in the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Morris left the Cleveland Cavaliers matchup with the Charlotte Hornets early after receiving a flagrant two-foul for catching center Nick Richards with an elbow to the face. The officiating crew reviewed the play and deemed it unnecessary and excessive resulting in an ejection.

Morris commented on the play after the game and revealed there was more to it. It was a message to his new team that it's time to hold their ground against their opponents. 

“I’m just trying to set the tone,” said Morris I just wanted to toughen us up, step in front of it with what is going to be expected moving forward. Not just for today. Start to set the precedent, we are going to the Playoffs and we are not just about to have anybody coming in here doing what they want to. That was just my point, kinda like a message.”

Mar 25, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (24) dribbles beside Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) in the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Morris also said he made sure to let Richards know that he was trying to play aggressively, but was by no means trying to hurt him. 

Watch And Listen To Morris’ Full Postgame Presser Here

Morris was brought in by the Cleveland Cavaliers for several reasons. He knew that his role was going to be a veteran presence leading into the Playoffs and be a reliable 3-and-D player off the bench. Obviously, Morris isn’t trying to get tossed every time he touches the floor. But this play does highlight the physical Cleveland has been missing since last year’s early playoff exit.