In a surprising turn of events, NBA players Markieff and Marcus Morris have publicly challenged Nikola Jokic’s brothers to a boxing match. This challenge stems from a heated incident that occurred during a game between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat back in November 2021.
The original clash began when Markieff Morris delivered a hard foul to Jokic while he was bringing the ball up the court. In retaliation, Jokic hit Morris from behind, resulting in both players being ejected from the game. Jokic received a one-game suspension, while Morris faced multiple games on the sidelines due to neck issues caused by the incident. This altercation ignited a personal rivalry that has lingered beyond the basketball court.
Fast forward to today, the Morris twins are looking to reignite that rivalry, but this time in the boxing ring. Recently appearing on “The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal,” Markieff Morris expressed his desire for a boxing match, referring to Jokic’s actions during their on-court encounter as a “sneaky hit.” He confidently stated, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall. We’re big too,” emphasizing their physical presence at 6’8″ and 270 pounds.
In the podcast discussion, Adam Lefkoe, a co-host, admitted to being intimidated by Jokic’s brother, who has a notable physical presence. Markieff responded, “What does it mean? The bigger they are, the harder they fall. I’m bigger than them.” Marcus Morris chimed in, adding some humor to the conversation by insisting that the fight should be strictly boxing, without any kicking or grappling, likely a nod to the fact that one of Jokic’s brothers has an MMA background.
Shaquille O’Neal, while initially reluctant to promote the fight, reconsidered after learning the Morris twins are still relatively young at 35. He quipped, “Well, they’re still young, maybe I will organize it.” This playful banter has sparked interest among fans, who are eager to see if the Jokic brothers will accept the challenge.
As for the Morris twins, their current status in the NBA is uncertain. Markieff was traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers earlier this year, but he is now an unrestricted free agent. Meanwhile, Marcus has also found himself without a team after a brief stint with the Clippers. The challenge to the Jokic brothers could serve as a way to draw attention to their careers as they seek to find new opportunities in the league.
The rivalry between the Morris twins and the Jokic brothers has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. If this boxing match were to take place, it would undoubtedly generate significant buzz, blending the worlds of professional basketball and boxing in an unprecedented way.
As we await a response from the Jokic brothers, the potential for a showdown outside of the traditional basketball arena adds an exciting layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding these players. Fans are left to wonder: will this challenge lead to a unique sporting event, or will it remain just talk? Either way, the Morris twins have certainly found a way to stay relevant in the conversation as they navigate their next steps in the NBA.