WATCH: Reason for Ja Morant’s $25K fine from NBA caught on video

Grizzlies star Ja Morant faces wrath of the NBA after silly decision during match against the Knicks on Friday.

WATCH: Reason for Ja Morant’s $25K fine from NBA caught on video

Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant does not seem to be leaving controversies behind anytime soon. He has a wild past in the NBA, leading to several fines and suspensions. Once again, the NBA fined him for his actions on the court. The league stated on Sunday that the Grizzlies’ star guard received a fine of $25,000 for hurling a game ball into the stands.

In the third quarter of Friday’s 114-113 loss to the New York Knicks, Morant made a botched throw. The 25-year-old grabbed a rebound after the session and threw the ball in the opposite direction in what seemed like a bad effort at a shot. The officials called a technical foul after the ball flew past the basket and into the spectators.

YouTube video

After the whistle, Morant seemed puzzled. The two-time All-Star is in the second year of a five-year, $197 million contract. So, even while the fine is a significant sum, it probably won’t have a significant effect on him. His average pay through the completion of the 2027–2028 campaign is $39.4 million. However, many stood confused with the decision to fine Morant.

FS Video

Nevertheless, through 37 games this season, Morant has averaged 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. He is second in steals and tops Memphis in assists and scoring. In addition, Monday marks the Grizzlies’ return to action. They play the fourth game of a five-game homestand against the Atlanta Hawks next.

Ja Morant is ‘questionable’ against the Atlanta Hawks

The star player may not be available for the Memphis Grizzlies’ game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. According to the Grizzlies’ injury report, Ja Morant is doubtful for the game against Atlanta due to shoulder pain. As for the Hawks, Trae Young is ‘probable’ and has right Achilles tendinitis, while Georges Niang is sidelined due to illness. Vit Krejci and Larry Nance Jr. are still out.

However, the Grizzlies have done well without Morant. As such, playing without him would not be a major problem for them. This is because of their immense depth in the roster. On the other hand, due to their lack of frontcourt depth, the Hawks will find the game troubling.

The Hawks (in ninth place in the Eastern Conference) are now three games ahead of the Chicago Bulls, who are in tenth place. The Hawks’ two-game deficit to the Miami Heat for the seventh seed demonstrates how crowded the Eastern Conference playoff race is. Meanwhile, Grizzlies remain in the fourth place in the West and will look to keep their spot moving forward.