Erik Spoelstra gives perspective on the Myron Gardner-Scottie Pippen Jr. battle

While the Memphis Grizzlies Scottie Pippen Jr. was busy offering “hugs” to their opponents, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra had a much different take on the mayhem that unfolded late Saturday night.

After the Heat’s 136-120 win over the Grizzlies, Spoelstra spoke fourth quarter brawl that saw Pippen and Miami forward Myron Gardner ejected after tumbling into the stands. While Pippen claimed he was retaliating for a “soft” cheap shot, Spoelstra doesn’t buy that story.

“I don’t know what happened on the three-point shot. I just saw Pippen go down,” Spoelstra told reporters. “I just saw the play after that and it looked like 95% Pippen. Let’s see what it is. I love Myron regardless.”

Erik Spoelstra on the clash between Myron Gardner and Scottie Pippen Jr.:

“I don’t know what happened on the three-point shot. I just saw Pippen go down. I just saw the play after that and it looked like 95% Pippen. Let’s see what it is. I love Myron regardless.” #HeatNation pic.tvitter.com/mntJJe8jcU

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 22, 2026

The “95%” Spoelstra refers to was when Pippen attacked Gardner and pushed him into the front row at the Kaseia Center with 1:19 remaining. While the physical exchange grabbed the headlines, the actual basketball game was a masterclass in heat culture.

The Miami Heat dismantled Memphis with elite ball movement, dishing out 36 assists. Andrew Wiggins was the star of the night, scoring 28 points on a near-perfect 9-of-10 shooting. Norman Powell added 25 points to lead Miami pulls away during a dominant 39-point third quarter. The win was a key boost for a Heat team that has relied heavily on its depth during a difficult season.

The Memphis Grizzlies, who were without Ja Morant, just couldn’t keep up despite the breakout performance of GG Jackson, who dropped 28 points. Before the ejection, Pippen Jr. was the lone bright spot in the backcourt, finishing with 18 points and six assists.

For Memphis, it was a justified reaction to a dirty game. For Spoelstra and the Heat, it was an unnecessary escalation in a game that had already been decided. Regardless of who is at fault, the bad blood between these two young players is officially a story to watch the next time they meet.