NBA Probes Ja Morant's Bizarre Finger Gun Gesture at Golden State Warriors' Bench—But Why?

The NBA is investigating an altercation between Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield after the two players exchanged gun-like gestures during Tuesday night's game.

The league investigation, initially reported by ESPN's Shams Charania and Tim McMahon, may lead to disciplinary action, considering Morant's history of firearm-related suspensions.

What Happened Between Ja Morant and Buddy Hield?

NBA Probes Ja Morant's Bizarre Finger Gun Gesture at Golden

The commotion ensued in the last quarter with 20.8 seconds left. While Warriors' Jimmy Butler was getting set to shoot a free throw, cameras recorded Hield on the Dubs' bench making a downward-facing gun gesture toward Morant, according to TMZ Sports. Referees did not respond then, and Butler went on to shoot.

But following a timeout was called, Morant apparently retaliated by faking a shooting motion in the direction of the Warriors' bench, pointing at Hield. The Warriors moved swiftly, with Stephen Curry pointing at Morant, and Green expressing his discontent to the referees. The referees replied by charging technical fouls to Morant and Hield, before things escalated further.

NBA's Stance on Morant's History and Possible Suspension

The NBA's decision to investigate is particularly significant given Morant's troubled past with firearms. The Grizzlies guard has served two major suspensions due to gun-related incidents.

In 2023, Morant was first suspended for eight games after brandishing a firearm in a Denver nightclub while on a road trip. Months later, another video surfaced showing him holding a gun inside a vehicle, leading to a 25-game suspension.

Considering this background, Morant's action, although clearly not involving an actual firearm, has received severe backlash on the internet, with some fans demanding another suspension. Yet the entire replay of the incident indicates that Hield's original gesture could have triggered Morant's reaction, making things more complicated.

Effect on the Western Conference Playoff Standings

Apart from possible disciplinary action, this scandal holds substantive implications for the NBA playoff rankings. With the Warriors defeating Memphis, Golden State moved into fifth place in the Western Conference ahead of the Grizzlies.

CBS Sports reported that the Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins a few days ago.

At the moment, the Warriors are barely a half-game ahead of Memphis and the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the LA Clippers trail by a game.

Both the Warriors and the Grizzlies are in a close fight for playoff positioning, with Golden State having seven games remaining and Memphis having six. A suspension of either Morant or Hield would significantly affect their respective teams' playoff hopes.