Thompson, Morant Trade Barbs After Grizzlies Edge Mavericks
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Ja Morant was sidelined for a third consecutive game with a calf strain on Saturday, yet the injured guard still found himself in the spotlight moments after the Memphis Grizzlies’ 103-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas on Nov. 23.
Video captured by ESPN showed Morant approaching veteran wing Klay Thompson on the court as the final buzzer sounded. The two exchanged heated words before coaches and security separated them. Morant then interrupted teammate Cam Spencer’s television interview, shouting, “Tell ’em who the best shooter in the house was, it wasn’t bro from Golden State.”
Speaking to reporters later, Thompson dismissed the exchange. “He’s a funny guy,” the 35-year-old said. “He has a lot to say all the time, especially for a guy who rarely takes accountability. It’s funny to run your mouth when you’re on the bench.”
Thompson added that Morant, 26, has allowed “a lot of other stuff” to interfere with his career, an apparent reference to the guard’s past suspensions for flashing a firearm on social media. “When you’re a star, it comes with great responsibility,” Thompson said. “I hate to see that go to waste.”
Both players are enduring difficult seasons. Morant is averaging 17.9 points, a career-high 3.8 turnovers and shooting 35.9 percent from the field, including 16.7 percent from three. Thompson, who will turn 36 later in the season, is posting 10.1 points per game on 34.7 percent shooting and 32.1 percent from deep.
The verbal clash rekindled memories of earlier Warriors-Grizzlies showdowns. Golden State eliminated Memphis in the 2015 and 2022 playoffs, series Thompson recalled fondly. “Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol—hard team to beat,” he said. “This new team, though? They just talk a lot. They’ve never really backed it up.”
Source: HoopsRumors
