Morris Twins Admit to Playing NBA Games Hungover — and Fans Have a Lot to Say

Former Kansas Jayhawks standouts Marcus and Markieff Morris have built reputations as two of the NBA’s toughest competitors — players who bring grit, swagger, and intensity to every team they’ve joined. Over more than a decade in the league, the identical twins have played key roles for multiple franchises, including the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN).

Although Marcus hasn’t played in the league since 2023, and Markieff — traded to the Lakers as part of the Luka Dončić blockbuster deal earlier this year — last saw action in February, both still insist they’re not done with basketball just yet. “We’ve still got gas left in the tank,” Marcus told The Athletic earlier this year.

But during a recent episode of their podcast, “The Morris Code Show,” the Philadelphia natives made a jaw-dropping admission that left fans and former coaches stunned — and sparked a wave of online debate.

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“Lights Were Way Brighter Than Before” — Hungover Hooping Confession

Known throughout their careers as fiery competitors who never back down from confrontation, the Morris twins have always leaned into their “villain” personas. But even by their bold standards, their latest revelation was surprising.

Speaking candidly on their podcast, the brothers admitted that there were times during their NBA careers when they played games hungover — sometimes even seeing double while trying to stay focused on the court.

“I had plenty of those where I’m walking into the game,” Marcus confessed, laughing. “Lights way brighter than they were before. I’m just like, holy… I seen three baskets.”

Markieff burst out laughing, but the comment quickly set social media ablaze. Fans couldn’t believe two veterans — each earning millions per year — would openly admit to showing up to games less than 100 percent.

According to Bleacher Report, the clip has already been viewed more than 2 million times, sparking heated discussions about professionalism, player culture, and accountability in the league. Some saw it as refreshingly honest; others viewed it as a sign of disrespect toward fans and teammates.

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Fans React — From Laughter to Outrage

As expected, NBA fans flooded social media with reactions. Some found humor in the confession, while others were appalled.

“Makes a lot of sense why they played like that sometimes. Mfers were drunk,” one fan joked on X (formerly Twitter).

“Totally disrespectful vibes. People pay good money to see them at their best, and treating it like a joke while showing up hungover? That’s rough,” another wrote.

“The type of teammates Michael Jordan would’ve punched in the face,” one fan quipped.

Others compared the twins’ story to LeBron James’ famous “three rims” quote from the 2020 NBA playoffs, when James claimed he saw triple vision after getting hit in the eye (USA Today Sports).

Even though many fans criticized their candor, several former players noted that late nights and “off-days” were hardly rare during the long NBA season. “This isn’t new,” one anonymous ex-teammate told Sports Illustrated. “A lot of guys went out the night before — they just didn’t admit it publicly.”

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Morris Twins: Bonded by Blood, Built for Battle

The twins’ careers have been anything but ordinary. Born seven minutes apart in Philadelphia, Marcus and Markieff were raised in a tight-knit household that valued competition and loyalty. They both starred at the University of Kansas under coach Bill Self, becoming two of the most dominant forwards in the Big 12 before declaring for the 2011 NBA Draft.

In 2013, they made history by becoming the first set of twins to start an NBA game together when they both took the floor for the Phoenix Suns (ESPN).

Over the years, their bond has extended far beyond the court. The brothers have matching tattoos, similar playing styles, and even admitted to switching places during high school and AAU tournaments — though they insist they never did it in the NBA. Conspiracy theories, however, still persist among fans who swear the twins occasionally swapped jerseys during their time with the Suns.

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More Than Villains: The Morris Legacy

While their recent “hungover” revelation caused a stir, it’s just the latest chapter in a long and colorful career defined by passion, loyalty, and defiance.

Marcus, known for his smooth mid-range jumper and gritty defense, has averaged 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game across 12 NBA seasons (Basketball Reference). Markieff, meanwhile, became an NBA champion in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a key bench role during the Orlando bubble (NBA.com).

Beyond basketball, the Morris twins have shown a softer side — mentoring young players, giving back to their Philadelphia community, and launching their podcast to share unfiltered insights about the game.

“People think we’re villains,” Markieff said in a GQ Sports interview. “But we’re just passionate. We love hard, we compete hard, and sometimes that comes out raw.”

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Final Thoughts

The Morris twins’ admission that they sometimes played NBA games hungover may have shocked fans, but it also peeled back another layer of authenticity in a sport often guarded by PR-trained athletes.

Love them or hate them, Marcus and Markieff Morris continue to prove one thing: they’ll always keep it real — both on and off the court.