Grayson Allen’s appearance at the United Center in Chicago on Friday night was highly anticipated by basketball fans. One Bulls player even appeared to send him a message.
Derrick Jones Jr. had 5 points in 16 minutes as his Bulls lost 118-112 to the Bucks. Jones received attention for a highlight-reel dunk in the game. He received more attention for his flagrant foul on Allen.
As Allen drove down the baseline in the fourth quarter, Jones jumped into him with a hard foul.
Derrick Jones Jr. foul on Grayson Allen. Ruled flagrant 1 pic.twitter.com/DmlG3J64bS
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) March 5, 2022
Jones was called for a flagrant 1 foul for his actions. He denied that he was taking specific aim at Allen.
Derrick Jones Jr. on his foul on Grayson Allen: "I don't think it was a flagrant. They said I hit him in the head. I didn't feel it."
Was he aware it was Allen? "Y'all trying to make it something it ain't. It's basketball."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 5, 2022
Why might Jones have been going after Allen? Allen injured Alex Caruso with a hard foul in a January game between the teams, causing an injury to Caruso, who broke his wrist.
Whether you believe Jones’ claim that his actions were unintentional is up to you. But there is no doubt that Bulls fans had it in for Allen.
They booed Allen during intros.
Grayson Allen introduced. Benny with donuts.
Not going to lie a little disappointed in the crowd. pic.twitter.com/aHzeCCOvaz— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) March 5, 2022
They also booed him when he checked into the game.
Grayson Allen checks in to boos from the Chicago crowd. pic.twitter.com/2t8Gdloays
— ESPN (@espn) March 5, 2022
Allen knew it was coming. He probably got off easily based on what Tristan Thompson said.
