Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images On the same day he reportedly received a warning from the NBA against making a “finger gun” gesture on the court, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant broke out the same celebration Thursday night.
After sinking a 3-pointer in the first quarter of the Grizzlies’ game against the Miami Heat, Morant turned and made the gesture using both hands.
Ja Morant brought out the finger gun gesture after making this three during Grizzlies-Heat.
Earlier today, the NBA gave Morant and Warriors guard Buddy Hield a warning about doing this celebration.pic.twitter.com/CFoiu8wDDz https://t.co/qg2KIVS9dN
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 4, 2025
Morant later sank a short jumper at the buzzer to give Memphis a 110-108 win over Miami, capping his 30-point performance.
Asked postgame about criticism of his actions, Morant said, “I’m kind of used to it. 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.”
Earlier in the day, the NBA issued warnings but no further penalties to Morant and Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield for their gestures during a game Tuesday, ESPN reported Thursday.
The league determined their celebration moves were not intended to be violent in nature but were inappropriate and should not be repeated, per the report. The warnings also were issued to both teams.
The Warriors won the game 134-125 in Memphis.
Morant, 25, has been suspended on two occasions by the league for showing a handgun on social media.
The two-time All-Star was banned eight games without pay in March 2023 for brandishing a firearm in an Instagram Live video.
A video of Morant posing with a firearm surfaced online, leading to the NBA conducting an investigation that resulted in a 25-game suspension to start the 2023-24 season.
–Field Level Media
