A message from the NBA has led to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant breaking out a new 3-point celebration. Morant played his first NBA game on Tuesday since a warning from the league and a $75,000 fine.
It didn’t take Morant long to make a 3-pointer against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. The Grizzlies star connected on a 3-pointer in the first quarter. After making the shot, Morant ran back on defense while covering his ears with his hands.
His new 3-point celebration appeared to mimic throwing a grenade.
Morant’s 3-point celebration has been a popular talking point around the league. On April 2, the NBA looked into the celebration mimicking a gun gesture. A day later, Morant was issued a warning.
The warning didn’t stop Morant from using the celebration against the Miami Heat in the Grizzlies’ next game. As a result, the league fined Morant $75,000 for using multiple gun gestures.
Morant missed Saturday’s Grizzlies win against the Detroit Pistons due to an illness.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
