In a recent game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, guards Ja Morant and Buddy Hield found themselves in hot water with the NBA for mimicking shooting a gun during a heated moment. Despite no intentions of violence, the league deemed their celebrations inappropriate, resulting in both players and their teams receiving warnings. Morant, known for his dynamic play on the court, had previously faced suspension for a similar incident back in 2023.
The controversial gestures occurred as a timeout was called late in the game, with Morant and Hield both making gun-related gestures towards each other's benches. This led to double technical fouls being issued by the referees, adding fuel to an already intense matchup. With Morant's history of social media incidents involving firearms, including prior suspensions, this latest episode has once again put the spotlight on the talented guard's off-court behavior. As the NBA continues to monitor player conduct closely, Morant and Hield will need to be mindful of their actions moving forward to avoid further repercussions.