Grizzlies’ Ja Morant sparks controversy with firearm-style celebration

Ja Morant does gun shooting celebration after dagger dunk vs Pelicans 😭

During Wednesday’s NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, Ja Morant celebrated the Memphis Grizzlies’ win by flashing a finger-gun gesture, which has sparked controversy.

This action has overshadowed the Grizzlies’ 4-0 record since his return, as well as his recognition as the Western Conference Player of the Week following his suspension.

Despite the controversy, Morant scored 31 points, grabbed five rebounds and made seven assists. His alley-oop dunk secured the victory while the Pelicans trailed by four points.

Before his return, Morant faced a 25-game suspension for allegedly displaying a firearm in a video streamed live on May 13. This punishment came after he repeated the action twice in June.

In March, he received an eight-game suspension and a fine for what NBA commissioner Adam Silver described as “reckless and irresponsible behavior.”

Both incidents were captured on video, showing Morant holding guns. The first incident took place at a strip club near Denver, while the second one was during an Instagram Live session in a car.

After his second suspension, Morant apologized for his mistake and recognized his failure to set an example as a role model.

Grizzlies improve as Morant returns

Before Morant returned to the lineup and led the Grizzlies unbeaten in four games, the team had a record of six wins and 19 losses.

Morant returned and helped the Grizzlies win their first game against New Orleans on December 19, scoring 34 points and hitting a buzzer-beating game-winner. Then, they won against the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks before defeating the Pelicans again.

Morant expressed excitement on his comeback, saying, “Obviously excited to be back. But being able to come back and win four games now and continue to take this momentum to the next game, and the next day, is bigtime for us.”

SG Desmond Bane scored 27 points against the Pelicans, including a crucial three-pointer in the last minute of regular time, helping Memphis overcome a 15-point second-half gap.

Memphis also showed solid defense, getting 17 blocked shots — five from PF Xavier Tillman — and 10 steals.

PF Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 19 points and made up for a missed free throw by scoring crucial baskets in overtime, securing the lead for the Grizzlies.

SG Marcus Smart, back after missing 17 games due to a sprained left foot, scored 13 points, including a key transition layup while being fouled by the Pelicans SG C.J. McCollum in overtime. Smart also contributed five steals.