Shaquille O’Neal defends Ja Morant’s ‘controversial’ post game celebration against the Pelicans

Ja Morant's alleged gun conversation has been explained by Shaquille O'Neal.

Shaquille O’Neal defends Ja Morant’s ‘controversial’ post game celebration against the Pelicans

Shaquille O'Neal and Ja Morant. (Image via Yardbarker and Insider)

It only took four games for Ja Morant to be back under heavy scrutiny. In the last seconds of Tuesday night’s Memphis Grizzles vs. New Orleans Pelicans game, Ja Morant executed a remarkable celebration. Some had accused the Grizzlies guard of referencing his Instagram videos during a “gun celebration.”

On December 26, Ja Morant’s Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 116-115, and he hinted that he was actually making a reference to the LSU Tigers with his celebration.

Morant has averaged 28.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in his last four games. Since his return on December 19, the Grizzlies are undefeated. Shaquille O’Neal, who was also critical of Morant’s actions 29 weeks prior, defended the All-Star by pointing out a fan’s comments that revealed the real significance of Ja’s celebrations.

FS Video

Shaquille O’Neal, though, defended Morant. A fan put an end to the controversy by pointing out that Ja was not participating in a “gun celebration,” but was just performing a New Orleans dance. In an attempt to highlight the supporter’s defense of Morant’s behavior, Shaq uploaded the Overtime picture to his Instagram Story.

Shaquille O’Neal, who reposted the image on social media, defended Morant’s celebration, calling it a “New Orleans dance in New Orleans” rather than an air pistol or bazooka.

Ja Morant
Ja Morant was referenced by Shaquille O’Neal (Image via Shaquille O’Neal, Instagram)

Shaq’s willingness to go above and beyond to support Morant against his detractors is impressive, especially in light of the young player’s desire to improve after a difficult few months.

Shaquille O’Neal praised Ja Morant on his return

Shaquille O’Neal used Instagram to voice his thoughts about Ja Morant’s suspension. In June, a month after Morant brandished a gun on an Instagram Live video, O’Neal offered his first thoughts on the matter. Shaquille O’Neal expressed his extreme admiration for Ja Morant’s comeback on Inside the NBA, referring to it as one of the greatest comeback stories he had ever witnessed.

Ja Morant
Ja Morant (Image via CNBC)

Shaquille O’Neal said, 

That's how you come back. That's a hell helluva comeback story, probably one of the best comeback stories I've seen. Young fella made a mistake, he did this time, he paid his dues, and he didn't complain. He took it like how we stay on the streets, he took it like a real G. He came back with that look.

Commenting on whether or not Morant’s behavior has changed is still premature. But upon his return, the athletic guard continued where he left off in the new basketball season. Resurgent, the 2020 Rookie of the Year has helped the Grizzlies win four straight games with an average of 28.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists.

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