(CNN) The Memphis Grizzlies have become known for their unwavering confidence in the face of superstar opposition — and Wednesday night was no different.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven NBA playoff series between the Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers was already a heated affair, but midway through the third quarter, tempers were pushed to another level as LA’s LeBron James and Dillon Brooks from Memphis exchanged words after a basket from James reduced the Grizzlies’ lead to 14.
After the game, Brooks — who is known for his defense and perhaps best embodies his team’s confident personality — told reporters who had told James, “You’re stupid for getting that foul,” after Brooks had just dealt his fourth foul had gotten.
However, after Memphis’ 103-93 win to level the series at one game apiece, Brooks didn’t shy away from trading with one of the NBA’s all-time greatest players.
“I don’t care, he’s old,” Brooks, who finished the game with 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting during his 23 minutes on the court, told reporters. “He just said something when I got my fourth foul. Of course he didn’t say anything beforehand.
“But I poke bears. I don’t respect anyone until they come and give me 40 [points]. I take pride in what I do: defending and taking on any challenge that is put on the board. If it’s LeBron, if it’s AD [Anthony Davis], if it’s whoever. I play my heart out – he knows that. The rest of the NBA knows that. I know my boys know that.”
Four-time NBA MVP James finished Wednesday’s game with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
According to ESPN, the Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard was the only player to score 40 points against the Grizzlies in a game Brooks played that season.
Brooks – wearing sunglasses, an open button-down shirt with no shirt underneath and a diamond-encrusted necklace with a “DB” medallion to speak to the media – acknowledged James’s all-time great career, he explained but couldn’t be intimidated as he defended the four-time NBA champion.
“Of course I have some respect,” said the 27-year-old. “He’s a legend. He’s LeBron James. But when I’m on that floor, you’re just another player to me. I don’t care who you are. You’re only 6’8″, 270 pounds and you’ am a basketball player.”
James shoots the ball while being guarded by Brooks in Game 2.
Brooks added, “That’s where guys don’t see that part of the game. I had those moments. Year one, year two, it was like, ‘Oh, he’s glowing.
“I can’t look [him] that he is LeBron James. He’s just another basketball player. And I’m up for a challenge every night.”
The Grizzlies’ victory was made even more impressive as they were without star point guard Ja Morant, who missed the game with an injured right hand.
Xavier Tillman led the team with 22 points and amassed 13 rebounds while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 18 points.
James led the Lakers while Rui Hachimura added 20 points from the bench.
The Western Conference first round playoff series resumes with Game 3 in Los Angeles on Saturday.