Jaxson Hayes vs. G-Wiz may be the most random NBA moment ever

Across Wizards fandom, controversy has spouted over the past 24 hours. A large event has shocked the team’s fanbase, creating outcries of dissent. 

You may think this is in reference to the team’s trade for Anthony Davis, certainly a huge swing for the team. But, alas, another alarming report has stunned fans across D.C. 

Wizards’ mascot G-Wiz was injured in a run-in with Lakers forward Jaxson Hayes, leading to Hayes being suspended for a game. The collision occurred during Washington’s 142-111 loss to L.A at home earlier this season.

Questions certainly arise from the incident, a rare occurrence in the NBA world. Was Hayes’ shove purposeful? Will G-Wiz recover? We took the time to break down the incident, and its implications for the rest of the Wizards’ season. 

Did Hayes Intentionally Shove G-Wiz?

It’s almost preposterous to think that an NBA player would take out his frustration on a mascot, especially a character as beloved as G-Wiz. But given the footage provided via social media, it seems that Hayes does intentionally attack the Wizards icon. 

Footage shows the Wizards’ legend racing down the floor with the Wizards flag pre-game, a common occurrence during player introductions. However, as he reaches the tunnel on the Lakers sideline, he runs by Hayes, who appears to be crouched and stretching. 

As G-Wiz runs in Hayes’ direction, the Lakers big man hip checks and shoves the beloved Washington mascot, sending him flying into the Wizards’ dance team. Just watching the replay is pain-inducing, as the mascot flies into a dance team member aimlessly. 

It’s unclear whether the Wizards mascot was running into Hayes’ direction, which would’ve been cause for the Lakers big man to at least redirect the mascot. 

Either way, though,  Hayes’ behavior is clearly purposeful and unacceptable. Even if G-Wiz was running in his direction, simply stopping the mascot with his hands would’ve done the job. Instead, Hayes chose to purposefully send the beloved figure flying, making him an enemy of Wizards’ fans for years to come. 

Was G-Wiz Injured?

According to Lakers’ writer Dan Woike, G-Wiz was not injured, and will be back on the court for the Wizards’ next home game against the Miami Heat. Washington will be happy to welcome back their fallen hero, and experience his antics once again. 

When do the Wizards Play the Lakers Next?

The Wizards will play the Lakers again on March 30th, with the game taking place in Los Angeles this time around. Given that the game is on the road, G-Wiz sadly won’t be in the building for the revenge game. 

However, the Wizards will certainly look to answer the call, hoping to get a win for G-Wiz in the team’s second matchup. The mascot himself said it best:

Perhaps the Wizards can have their mascots back next matchup and deliver a win to Hayes and the Lakers.