Ja Morant Suspended After Heated Clash with Coaches
The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended their star point guard, Ja Morant , for one game due to what the team described as conduct detrimental to the organization . The decision followed a tense postgame exchange after Friday night’s 117–112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers — a moment that has since drawn significant attention across the NBA.
According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania , first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership and effort following the defeat. The confrontation, which took place in front of teammates, reportedly escalated when Morant responded in a tone seen as dismissive and disrespectful. It was a public moment of friction between player and coach that the organization could not ignore.
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Morant’s performance that night had already been disappointing by his own standards — just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting, his lowest scoring output of the season. When asked about his struggles afterward, the 25-year-old guard didn’t hold back. He told reporters to “go ask the coaching staff,” and when pressed further, added, “According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly. That’s basically what the message was. It’s cool.” His curt responses painted a picture of visible frustration, both with his role and the team’s recent struggles.
Analysts were quick to notice Morant’s body language throughout the game. Former NBA All-Star Blake Griffin , speaking on Amazon Prime’s postgame show , criticized Morant’s lack of engagement. “He’s insanely talented, but he didn’t look locked in. That kind of energy isn’t what’s going to get it done for Memphis,” Griffin said. “For a guy making $40 million and expected to lead this team, it’s a very bad sign. Something has to change.”
Unfortunately, this latest suspension adds to a growing list of disciplinary issues for Morant. Back in 2023, he served two separate suspensions for incidents involving firearms — missing 33 games in total and losing around $8.3 million in salary. He was also fined $75,000 last season for using a gun-like gesture to celebrate a shot, despite prior warnings from the league.
Currently in the third year of a five-year, $197 million contract, Morant is averaging 20.8 points per game through six outings this season. While his talent remains undeniable, the question now is whether his attitude and leadership can catch up to his potential.
The Grizzlies will play their next game against the Toronto Raptors , but they’ll have to do it without their biggest star — and perhaps, with a lot to think about in terms of team chemistry and accountability moving forward.
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