Paul Millsap blasts back at Markieff Morris after ‘crybaby’ comment

Paul Millsap was masterful in Game 3 of the first round series between the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards. In short, Markieff Morris was not. While that does not account for the full margin in what became an 18-point victory for the Hawks, the difference certainly played a part in the proceedings.

In the aftermath of the game, though, Morris did not take his personal loss quietly, firing at Millsap and calling him a “crybaby” to Candace Buckner of the Washington Post.

Shortly thereafter, Buckner let Millsap know, while on the podium, what Morris had said. After a comical reaction of laughter and bewilderment from Dennis Schröder (seated next to Millsap), the All-Star power forward had this to say in response.

“It definitely got personal now, yes. I mean, I don’t care. So what? Take his loss and go back to the hotel. Be ready for the next game.”

Since a strong Game 1 performance, Morris has largely disappeared, non-coincidentally after poking the bear with the superior player in Millsap. In Game 3, Millsap led the way for Atlanta with 29 points, 14 rebounds and five assists while suffocating Morris (and others) on the defensive end, while Morris shot just 4 of 14 on the way to nine points.

Millsap’s assertion that things are “personal now” is not surprising given what Morris but this is certainly something to keep an eye on moving forward as Game 4 approaches on Monday. Stay tuned.