One of the more intriguing young talents in today’s NBA, Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson is hoping to blossom into a consistent piece this season alongside Devin Booker and first overall pick Deandre Ayton.
However, playing in a small market such as Phoenix has shielded Jackson from much of the spotlight despite being a dynamic 21-year-old athlete. In a recent sit-down interview with the Undefeated’s Marc Spears, Jackson touched on the recent skirmish between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers which led to multiple suspensions.
Jackson stated that it reminded him of another brawl which he actually witnessed first-hand: the infamous Malice at the Palace.
I was not watching the game when the Lakers and Rockets fought, but I did see the highlights. I thought it was a little crazy. I thought the suspensions were about right. I haven’t seen nothing like that since [2004], ‘The Malice at the Palace.’
I was there.
I was 8 years old. I was kind of sitting right at midcourt about 20 rows up. I remember seeing so many people everywhere fighting. I remember [then-Indiana Pacers forward] Jermaine O’Neal getting hit with a chair. That was one of my most vivid memories. I remember Ron Artest laying on the scorer’s table and someone throwing a drink on him.
I was looking around and everyone was throwing something onto the court. I am not going to lie. I threw a water bottle. Why? It’s my home team. I’m a Pistons fan. What? The Pacers came in here throwing punches on my favorite players. I couldn’t have that.
Surely just a fond memory now nearly 14 years later, Josh Jackson knows how out of control some basketball fights can become if they escalate.
Luckily for the NBA and their players, officials were able to get things under control between the Lakers and Rockets before irreversible damage was done.
