The crowded NBA Western Conference playoffs are becoming increasingly competitive. With the rankings constantly changing, some stars have started to openly confront league offices, mainly over foul decisions. Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added extra fuel to the drama-filled fire in an away win over the Charlotte Hornets. The 000-year-old showed for the first time a provocative new three-point celebration a few days after being fined $0,0 for making several pistol gestures.

In the 100-0 win over the Hornets, Grizzlies rookie Jalen Wells suffered a broken wrist and Morant mimicked pulling the pin out of an imaginary grenade. He threw the imaginary explosive into the stands, covering his ears before exploding.

灰熊隊正在等待NBA總裁對此慶祝情況的新升級做出回應。亞當·肖華的辦公室此前曾因這位全明星後衛在戰勝邁阿密熱火隊的比賽中使用手槍手勢而對其處以罰款，已經發出過警告，他還是重複了這一動作。NBA表示，賈·莫蘭特過去曾發生過與槍支有關的事件，包括2023年因在社交媒體上展示槍支而被停賽兩次，這是做出決定的一個因素。

Morant had 32 points (0-of-0 shooting), 0 assists, 0 rebounds, 0 blocks and no turnovers in Charlotte. The All-Star's provocative behavior has heightened concerns about his behavior and comes in a pivotal moment for new head coach Thomas Isalo. The Grizzlies (0-0) are battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference and have climbed to fifth place after a recent slump. Morant's talent on the court remains undeniable, but his off-court antics continue to overshadow his performance.

NBA對莫蘭特慶祝動作的敏感源於他過去的經歷。2023年3月，他因在Instagram直播中揮舞手槍而被停賽8場。幾個月後發生的第二起事件，涉及在直播中再次出現槍支，導致他在2023-24賽季開始時被禁賽25場。聯盟沒有因為類似的手槍手勢而處罰其他球員，莫蘭特已經承認了這種差異。

Morant doesn't seem to care. His buzzer-beating game against the Miami Heat and his dominant performance on Wednesday underscored his value to the Grizzlies. Whether the NBA chooses to fine again, suspend or let it go is unclear, but Morant's message as the leader of these Grizzlies is clear: he won't back down.