July 8, 2014 12:26 AM MDT
Markieff Morris suspended for elbowing Serge Ibaka
Suns forward Markieff Morris dunks in a preseason game against the Nuggets.(Photo: Isaiah Downing, USA TODAY Sports)
Story HighlightsPhoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris is suspended for season openerMorris elbowed Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka in face during preseason game5 2 Suns have played well in preseason despite low expectationsPhoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris is suspended for one game for elbowing Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka in the face, the NBA announced Thursday.
The play came during a free throw battle in a preseason game Tuesday. Ibaka was between Morris and his twin brother, Marcus Morris, as the ball came off the rim. Markieff Morris lifted his arm and threw an elbow into Ibaka's face as the ball went in. Morris was ejected in the third quarter of the 88 76 Suns win.
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Morris is expected to compete for a starting job with the Suns and had 12 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Channing Frye, Marcus Morris and Miles Plumlee also play power forward for the team.
The Suns open the season Oct. 30 vs. the Portland Trail Blazers. They are 5 2 in the preseason despite being picked to finish last in the Western Conference by many prognosticators.
Ibaka sat out of Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Bulls for rest purposes, not because of any injuries related to the elbow.
Coincidentally, this is the third NBA disciplinary action taken against a player because of a Thunder game. The Nuggets' Nate Robinson was fined for hitting Thunder rookie wholesale jerseys free shipping Steven Adams, while Oklahoma City center Hasheem Thabeet was suspended for the season opener after head butting New Orleans Pelicans center Greg Stiemsma.
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