(Video) Chaos Ensues After Ja Morant Puts Finger in Klay Thompson’s Face During Mavs vs. Grizzlies

Ja Morant and Klay Thompson exchanged some words after the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

(Video) Chaos Ensues After Ja Morant Puts Finger in Klay Thompson’s Face During Mavs vs. Grizzlies

There was chaos after Ja Morant put a finger in Klay Thompson's face (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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It is well known that Klay Thompson is not in the best of terms with Memphis Grizzlies players. The Mavs guard has had his share of history with the Grizzlies during his time with the Golden State Warriors, often engaging in some banter and trash talking. And Saturday night was no different as the Grizzlies defeated the Mavs 102-96 at the American Airlines Center.

The clash in Texas was between two sides that have struggled to find wins this season. The Mavs slipped to 5-13 and are placed at 13th while the Grizzlies sit at 10th with a 6-11 record in a stacked Western Conference. Both sides are suffering with some key injuries to star players but that did not take away any intensity from the fixture.

Thompson was the top-scorer with 20 points in 28 minutes, with six threes to his name. The 35-year-old was chirping with the Grizzlies all night. The history between the two began during the 2022 Western Conference semifinals when the Warriors took out the Grizzlies in six games.

It proved to be a very ill-tempered series thanks largely to Dillon Brooks. There have been quite a few exchanges since, Thompson called Grizzlies’ center Jaren Jackson Jr. a b*m in a press conference for mocking their “Strength in Numbers” mantra.

On Saturday, things got heated when Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama dived for a loose ball saved by Cooper Flagg. Even so, the ball ultimately landed in the hands of the Mavericks, who immediately broke out in transition.

After falling to the floor, Aldama impeded the Mavericks rookie’s progress, causing him to trip. Thompson stepped in to defend his teammate, confronting Aldama over the action and then the tensions boiled over.

Ja Morant joined in and taunted Klay Thompson

Ja Morant has had a fair share of injuries throughout his career. The 2x NBA All-Star was ruled out against the Mavs having not featured since November 16 against the Cleveland Cavaliers and missing three consecutive games. But after Grizzlies won the game, Morant had a few words for Thompson.

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Ja Morant (Left) and Klay Thompson (Right) (Image Credits – Larry Brown Sports)

As the two former All-Stars got into it after the buzzer, Morant appeared to send a brutal message during their exchange. “You a b*m now,” Morant appeared to be telling Thompson.

Thompson has won several accolades and achievements throughout his career. Four-time NBA champion, selected as an All-Star five times and nominated once in the NBA All-Defensive team. While his credentials speak for themselves, Thompson has had a rough time over the last few years, following two major injuries. The guard is currently coming off the bench and averaging 10.1 points per game and shooting at only 34.7% from the field this season.

Ja Morant may be traded

The former number two overall pick has dealt with several on-court and off-court issues in the last few years. The Grizzlies’ star is going through a difficult period, plagued by injuries and controversy, which has put him at risk within the franchise. And this season has been no different for the 26-year-old.

Morant’s displeasure with the Grizzlies’ coaching staff has been clear to start the season. The star guard received a one-game suspension for his public comments that challenged coach Tuomas Iisalo earlier this month.

Even if there may be some baggage and injury concerns, bringing in a star like Morant could entice some rival teams that hope to make a title push, while the Grizzlies could rebuild after they dealt Desmond Bane over the offseason. In a season marred by injuries and suspensions, having played only 12 games so far, he is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists.

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