The Memphis Grizzlies blew a golden opportunity to begin NBA Cup play with a monumental franchise.
The 3-3 Western Conference franchise led the Los Angeles Lakers by 15 points at one point on Friday night, but ultimately failed to close the deal (they lost 117-112).
Ja Morant, who struggled in the contest, didn’t do himself any favors during the postgame festivities, resulting in the Grizzlies suspending the 26-year-old star for one game.
“Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Saturday.
“Suspension comes as a result of Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo challenging Morant's leadership and effort in a postgame exchange after loss to the Lakers on Friday night -- to which Morant responded in a tone deemed inappropriate.”
Morant has been dealing with ankle soreness recently, but was good to go for the Grizzlies when they matched up against the Lakers.
However, there’s no question that Luka Doncic prevailed in the battle of the superstar point guards, as he finished with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, while Morant only recorded eight rebounds, seven assists, and one rebound.
Still, with Morant out of the Grizzlies’ lineup for one game, the organization will be at a noticeable disadvantage on Sunday evening against the Toronto Raptors.
Additionally, the Murray State product’s one-game suspension will reportedly cost him over $200,000, adding insult to injury.
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