It was a high-stakes matchup at the FedExForum Arena last night. The Memphis Grizzlies were hosting the Golden State Warriors, as both teams needed a win to move further away from the play-in tournament. As everyone expected, it was a high-scoring and intense game, with Stephen Curry stealing the spotlight. Chef Curry finished the night with 52 points, which included 12 three-pointers that put the Grizzlies to sleep. However, during the final moments of the game, a different detail came to light. One of Memphis’s Ja Morant’s many moves caught everyone’s attention and started a debate.

Even though this was Memphis’s fourth defeat in a row, Ja Morant’s gesture might carry consequences that go beyond this disappointing result. During the game, the Grizzlies’ point guard was the star of the show for the home crowd, scoring 36 points and dishing out six assists. However, things got out of hand when, during the dying minutes of the game, Morant pointed a finger gun toward the Warriors’ bench. This gesture came after Buddy Hield did something similar while Butler revived late free throws. All performers of the finger gun gesture received double technical fouls for their excessive behavior during the game.

But that might not be the only punishment coming their way. ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that this incident is being reviewed by the league. “The NBA is looking into Memphis’ Ja Morant using finger gun motions toward the Golden State Warriors bench last night, sources tell me and @espn_macmahon.” Charania wrote on X. This indicates that some serious repercussions are going to follow. “The league’s probe will also look into a gesture by Warriors guard Buddy Hield ahead of Morant, sources said. League officials will talk to involved parties as soon as Wednesday.” So, it means that both Golden State’s Buddy Hield and Memphis’s Ja Morant could be in big trouble. Both players are likely to serve a few game bans and could get fined, or even both. 

Moreover, this incident has gained this much attention due to Morant’s history of controversies involving guns. In 2023, the NBA suspended Morant for 25 games after a video of the Grizzlies superstar waving a firearm surfaced on social media. The Grizzlies are already in a tough spot and have fallen to the 6th seed. So, if Morant faces a situation where he is suspended for a few games, it will pile up Memphis’ misery. Adam Silver and the league view this as a serious offense and will take some kind of action. As we await the verdict of this incident, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith might just have other thoughts on this matter altogether.

Stephen A. Smith is urging the NBA to let Ja Morant play in peace

Memphis Grizzlies‘ superstar point guard Ja Morant once again finds himself at the center of controversy. Despite having a great game, Morant’s actions are what have everyone’s attention right now. Given the 25-year-old’s history with firearms, the league is viewing this as another serious offense. Morant has already served two suspensions due to the same. First, he received an eight-game ban for showing a firearm during an Instagram Live video, and the other time, he received a 25-game ban for showing it in his car.

The question is, should Morant have been careful with the gesture, or is the league stretching this incident? Well, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes it’s the latter. “Come on @NBA — and the rest of us. Totally unnecessary. Let @JaMorant play in peace. Let’s not look for things. The playoffs are about to begin. Let’s enjoy the games. Morant didn’t do anything flagrant. Folks are reaching now.” He wrote on X. Well, Smith just wants the league to let Ja Morant be at peace and hoop. Moreover, he suggested that the NBA and even the fans are making too much fuss about a normal celebration.

Well, that’s correct. Many players across the NBA have made that celebration after making a three-pointer. So, why treat Ja Morant differently? Of course, it has to do with his record. But still, Smith does have a point, and if he receives a serious punishment it might not be fair. However, now it’s up to Adam Silver and the rest of the league to decide what they think of the incident. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies gear up to get back in action on Thursday when they play the Miami Heat in a crucial matchup for their playoff hopes.