MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 29: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference playoffs first round series on May 29, 2021 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has once again gotten in trouble for a celebration. This time, for pretending as if he were launching a grenade into the crowd after hitting a three.
Morant unveiled the celebration in the Grizzlies’ 141-125 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Morant was recently fined $75,000 for mimicking pointing a gun following a made basket. The gesture that led to the fine was during a 110-108 win over the Miami Heat, a game in which Morant made a game-winning shot.
Guns and weapons celebrations are relatively common in basketball, yet Morant seems to be constantly in the middle of controversy for making them.
Despite the criticism, Morant seems unfazed.
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“That’s my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it,” Morant said. “And I’ll find another one.”
Morant could likely face additional action from the league for his “inappropriate” celebrations.
The root of Morant’s controversy and response from the NBA likely stems from his history with guns. Morant has been suspended on multiple occasions for brandishing a handgun on Instagram Live.
The Grizzlies, who are now 47-33, are fighting to stay out of the play-in. Seeds three to eight are within two games apart with two games remaining.
The loss to the Timberwolves was a major hit for the Grizzlies’ chances to stay out of the play-in.
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