Kevin Durant had to keep this one
In what many are calling the game of the opening week, the Phoenix Suns battled hard to overcome the Los Angeles Clippers, marking an electrifying start to the NBA season. Under the bright lights of Steve Ballmer’s newly unveiled $2 billion Intuit Dome, the Suns rallied from a 99-90 deficit, ultimately securing a thrilling 116-113 victory in overtime. While the grand opening of Ballmer’s arena made headlines, it was Kevin Durant’s stellar performance in the fourth quarter that truly stole the show. Scoring 25 points, along with seven rebounds and three steals, Durant led his team to triumph against a formidable Clippers lineup featuring James Harden, TMZ reports.
As the Suns celebrated their hard-fought win, a unique moment unfolded as Durant made his way to the locker room. Actor Lamorne Morris, best known for his role in New Girl, called out to Durant, requesting the jersey off his back. The Emmy-winning actor likely expected a fun exchange, but Durant politely declined, explaining, “Gotta keep this one, babe. Got a mic in there.” Morris, unfazed, responded with a smile, clearly understanding the situation. Although he didn’t get the coveted jersey, the humorous interaction highlighted the camaraderie often seen in professional sports, especially post-game.
The jersey exchange has become a beloved tradition in the NBA, showcasing players’ respect for one another. After games, it’s common to see athletes swapping jerseys, whether for social media attention or simply as a memento of the game. Morris’s request exemplifies the blend of sports and entertainment, where celebrities often find themselves crossing paths with their favorite athletes. For instance, NBA superfan Brad Parker, who boasts a massive collection of jerseys nearing 300, shares a similar passion for the sport and its memorabilia, proudly displaying over 200 jerseys at his parents’ home on Long Island.
Morris Reflects on Being a Trailblazer
Despite the lighthearted moment with Durant, Morris has faced his own challenges in Hollywood, particularly as one of the few Black leads in predominantly white shows. In the upcoming Saturday Night Live biopic, Morris portrays Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member of SNL, who struggled to find his place on a predominantly white show. This experience resonates deeply with Morris, who often felt like a “fish out of water” during his time on New Girl.
Reflecting on his character’s struggles, Morris expressed, “Being in New Girl, I was a new character after the first episode, so a lot of time was spent trying to develop my character and figure out who I was on the fly.” This sentiment highlights the broader issues of representation in television, where minority characters sometimes find themselves defined by stereotypical narratives or sidelined in storylines.
Morris’s candid insights underscore the importance of diversity and authenticity in storytelling. He mentioned the frustrations of being the only Black character on a show and the challenges of developing a character who initially lacked depth. “Sometimes you take it personal,” he admitted, illustrating the emotional toll such experiences can have on actors striving for representation.
As Morris continues to navigate his career, he serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors of color, pushing for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry. While his jersey request from Kevin Durant didn’t materialize, the shared moment on the sidelines of a significant NBA game highlighted the interconnectedness of sports and entertainment.