While Scottie Pippen Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies was busy giving his opponents “hugs,” Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra had a much different view of the chaos that occurred late Saturday night.
Following the Heat’s 136–120 win over the Grizzlies, Spoelstra addressed a fourth-quarter brawl in which Pippen and Miami forward Myron Gardner were ejected after falling into the stands. While Pippen claimed he was responding to a “soft” cheap shot, Spoelstra isn’t buying that narrative.
“I don’t know what happened on the three-point shot. I just saw Pippen fall,” Spoelstra told reporters. “I watched the play after that and he looked 95% like Pippen. Let’s see what it is. I love Myron regardless.”
Erik Spoelstra on the scuffle between Myron Gardner and Scottie Pippen Jr.:
“I don’t know what happened on the three-point shot. I just saw Pippen fall down. I watched the game after that and he looked 95% Pippen. Let’s just see what it is. I love Myron regardless.” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/mntJJe8jcU
– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 22 February 2026
“95%” Spoelstra refers to the moment Pippen charged Gardner and pushed him into the front row at the Cassia Center with 1:19 remaining. While the physical exchange made headlines, the actual basketball game was a masterclass in Heat culture.
The Miami Heat demolished Memphis with great ball movement, dishing out 36 assists. Andrew Wiggins was the star of the night, scoring 28 points on a nearly perfect shooting performance of 9 out of 10. Norman Powell added 25 points, helping Miami lead the way during a dominant third quarter by 39 points. The win was an important boost for a Heat team that has relied heavily on its depth throughout a difficult season.
The Memphis Grizzlies, playing without Ja Morant, could not maintain momentum despite a breakout performance from GG Jackson, who dropped 28 points. Before his ejection, Pippen Jr. was the only bright spot in the backcourt, finishing with 18 points and six assists.
For Memphis, it was an appropriate response to a dirty play. For Spoelstra and the Heat, it was an unnecessary addition to an already decided game. Regardless of who’s at fault, the rift between these two young players is a story worth watching the next time they meet officially.
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