The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Golden State Warriors, 134-125, on Tuesday night in Memphis.
Stephen Curry led the way with a massive 52-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist game as the Warriors moved to 44-31.
The Grizzlies were led by Ja Morant, who had 36 points and six assists. However, Morant caught some heat for a not-so-good reason.
Late in the game, cameras captured Morant showing what looked like a gun gesture in the direction of the Warriors bench.
As such, ESPN's Shams Charania and Tim MacMahom reported that the NBA is "looking into" the incident."
"The NBA is looking into Memphis' Ja Morant using finger gun motions toward the Golden State Warriors bench last night, sources tell me and @espn_macmahon."
In response to Charania's report regarding Morant's gesture, Stephen A. Smith had a strong message in support of the Grizzlies star.
"Come on @NBA - and the rest of us. Totally unnecessary. Let @JaMorant play in peace. Let's not look for things. The playoffs are about to begin. Let's enjoy the games. Morant didn't do anything flagrant. Folks are reaching now."
Come on @NBA - and the rest of us. Totally unnecessary. Let @JaMorant play in peace. Let's not look for things. The playoffs are about to begin. Let's enjoy the games. Morant didn't do anything flagrant. Folks are reaching now. https://t.co/cmeWaGgYBu
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 2, 2025
Smith just wants the NBA to let Morant "play in peace," although the Grizzlies star's history might have the NBA taking extra careful precautions.
Morant was suspended twice during his career for flashing a gun. The first time, he received an eight-game suspension for showing it on an Instagram Live video, and the other time resulted in a 25-game ban for showing it in his car.
Charania also mentions that the probe by the NBA will include a look into the actions of Buddy Hield, so it isn't just Morant that is being looked at.
Still, it's quite a message from Smith, and it will be worth monitoring to see what the NBA does after this incident.
Related: Ja Morant Facing Backlash for Behavior in Warriors Loss
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 2:11 PM.