Ja Morant ignored NBA’s warning with another gun gesture in Memphis Grizzlies’ win over Miami Heat

Ja Morant repeated his controversial finger gun gesture during the Memphis Grizzlies’ 110-108 victory over the Miami Heat, despite the NBA warning him against it. This action follows similar incidents and could lead to further disciplinary action. Morant’s performance included a game-winning step-back jumper, and he scored 30 points, contributing significantly to the win.

Ja Morant has repeated his finger gun gesture celebration the league had already warned him about. During the Memphis Grizzlies’ 110-108 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night, Morant made a finger gun gesture after draining a three-pointer in the first quarter. The move, which came just days after a similar incident against the Golden State Warriors, has sparked huge discussion online as the 25-year-old casually ignored the league’s warning.

The NBA issued a warning to Ja Morant and Golden State’s Buddy Hield, determining that while their “finger gun” gestures weren’t intended to be violent, they were inappropriate and should not be repeated. Despite this, Morant went ahead with the celebration just minutes into the game against Miami.

The 25-year-old guard, who has already faced multiple suspensions for past gun-related incidents, is now at risk of further disciplinary action. Back in March 2023, Morant was suspended for eight games after brandishing a firearm on Instagram Live. Later that year, he served a 25-game suspension at the start of the 2023-24 season when another video of him holding a gun surfaced online.

Despite the controversy, Morant delivered a remarkable performance. Miami had tied the game at 108 after a clutch jumper by Tyler Herro with 13 seconds left. Morant created space against Kel’el Ware and nailed a step-back jumper that rattled around the rim before dropping in at the buzzer.

“A pigeon guarding me. Go get a bucket, win the game,” Morant said after sinking the game-winner. He also acknowledged the impact of Miami’s hostile crowd, adding, “The crowd getting to booing me, they just woke me up for the second half and I’m pretty sure they’re not happy going home now.”

Certainly, Morant has been in his best form. NBA analyst Skip Bayless took to X to reflect the crowd’s response to Morant’s game. “Crowd was getting on Ja in Miami – obvious why – then he got even in the 2nd half pouring in buckets including a slick game-winning step-back j in the lane over KWare. Quite a display. If only the Griz could get that Ja every single night,” he wrote.

In 32 minutes and 24 seconds of play, Morant scored 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting. He was effective from beyond the arc, making 3-of-7 three-pointers. Further, he contributed with five boards alongside three assists and one steal.

Also Read: Ja Morant under NBA investigation for controversial gesture toward Golden State Warriors

So far, the NBA has not issued further action against the Grizzlies superstar. Morant is currently averaging 22.9 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.

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