Sometimes, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.
It's no secret that Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns and Grizzlies guard Ja Morant are two of the NBA's most charismatic players but during Saturday's Game 1 between Minnesota and Memphis, fans learned that these All-Stars got some of their charisma from their dads.
With the Wolves' Game 1 victory all but secured, ESPN's cameras caught a fun exchange between Tee Morant and Karl Towns Sr., who were both seated courtside opposite the benches of their sons' teams.
During a break in action, the elder Morant and Towns walked towards one another at halfcourt, where they exchanged a dap and hug with smiles on their faces.
Ja and KAT's fathers show some sportsmanship during Game 1 🤝 pic.twitter.com/zrZY53W8NN
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 16, 2022
During their embrace, you can hear Morant say "I ain't ducking no smoke," a sentiment often shared by his son. On the way back to his seat, Tee found the camera and said, "we ain't ducking no smoke," and continued with a callback to a legendary boxing interview, saying "Memphis, Memphis, Memphis."
As it turns out, the two fathers have entered a competition of their own.
MORE: Watch the NBA playoffs on Sling TV (U.S. only)
Full details: Bet between dads of Ja Morant and Karl-Anthony Towns
While Ja and the Grizzlies haven't ducked smoke on the court this season, Tee Morant has engaged in a friendly wager off the court with Karl Towns Sr.
According to USA Today's Cydney Henderson, the All-Star dads have a running bet based on the outcome of the series: If the Grizzlies win the series, Karl Towns Sr. has to wear a Morant jersey. If the Timberwolves win, Tee Morant has to wear a Towns jersey.
The two dads, who have become courtside mainstays at their sons' games, were spotted joking with one another ahead of Game 1 and throughout the game, leading to their exchange in the fourth quarter.
As the series progresses, the stakes get higher — both on and off the floor.
Be on the lookout for more exchanges between Tee Morant and Karl Towns Sr. in Game 2 and when the series shifts to Minneapolis.
One of the two will end up sporting their opponent's jersey.
Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves schedule, TV channels
As the higher seed, Memphis will be the home team in Games 1 and 2, while Minnesota will host Games 3 and 4.
If required, Games 5 and 7 would also be played in Memphis.
(All times Eastern)
Date | Game | Time | National TV (US) |
April 19 | Game 2 | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
April 21 | Game 3 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
April 23 | Game 4 | TBD | ESPN |
April 26 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
April 29 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 1 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary