Paul Millsap: Wizards were playing ‘MMA’

The physical nature of the opening game of the first round series between the Wizards and Hawks led one Atlanta player to compare Washington’s style of play to mixed martial arts.

The Wizards came away with a 114-107 victory in a contest that featured 47 personal fouls and 56 free throws. Ironically, a jump ball, not a foul was not called on this play when Paul Millsap got tangled up with Markieff Morris.

Millsap and Morris had some words at the end of the first half thanks to plays like this#NBAPlayoffspic.twitter.com/XKMQdKuvBm

— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 16, 2017

After the game, Millsap and Morris both had comments about the physical nature of the game with Millsap saying the Wizards were playing “MMA.”

Morris: 'If we are going to jostle then that's the way it's going to be.'

— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) April 16, 2017

Millsap: We were playing basketball. They were playing MMA.

— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) April 16, 2017

There were also words exchanged during the game by a few players, including Millsap and Morris. Game 2 isn’t until Wednesday, so that will give both teams a chance cool off a bit before resuming battle.