Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has once again drawn the attention of the NBA for his behavior during a recent game. In a tight matchup against the Miami Heat on Thursday night, Morant celebrated a successful three-pointer by mimicking a gun gesture with his finger, an action that follows earlier warnings from the league for similar displays.

Incident Details

During the Grizzlies’ 110-108 victory, Morant showcased his skills with a 25-foot three-point shot, after which he ran back on defense, extending his right arm and posing with his left hand in a finger gun shape. This celebration raised eyebrows, especially as it followed a warning issued to Morant and fellow player Buddy Hield for a similar celebration earlier in the week.

NBA Warnings

As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, both Morant and Hield had been cautioned about their gestures during a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. The NBA determined that, while the celebrations were not deemed violent, they were inappropriate. Subsequently, both teams received official warnings regarding such conduct.

Morant’s Response

Following the game against the Heat, Morant acknowledged the criticism surrounding his actions but stated that he remains unfazed. “I’m kind of used to it,” he said, reflecting on his reputation as a target of scrutiny. “I was pretty much a villain for two years now. Every little thing, if somebody can say something negative about me, it’s going to be out there. So, yeah. I don’t care no more.”

Previous Conduct Issues

Morant’s recent behavior has heightened attention due to his past disciplinary issues with the NBA. He has faced suspensions for brandishing a firearm during social media livestreams, the first incident occurring in March 2023 in a Denver nightclub. His subsequent conduct led to a 25-game suspension at the beginning of the 2023-24 season.

Game Context

The game concluded with Morant clinching the victory for the Grizzlies by making a crucial two-point shot at the buzzer. Notably, during the heated exchange between Morant and Hield, game officials did issue double technical fouls, but Morant escaped any direct penalties for his finger gesture in this instance.