Ja Morant is once again in the headlines—and not only for his game-winning shot. The Memphis Grizzlies All-Star is drawing new criticism for repeatedly making gun-like gestures during Thursday night's game against the Miami Heat, even after a blatant warning from the NBA earlier on Thursday.

As a result, the league fined Morant $75,000 for his recent in-court behavior.

Morant Ignites the Heat with Game-Winning Performance

Ja Morant Slapped With $75K Fine For Finger Gun Gesture Ja Morant Slapped With $75K Fine For Finger Gun Gesture
Soobum Im/Getty Images

League officials warned Morant before tip-off, telling him that the gestures would "be viewed negatively," according to NBA insider Shams Charania.

The warning came after an identical celebration he executed earlier this week against the Golden State Warriors, which the league considered "inappropriate."

Even with the off-court drama, Morant allowed his play to speak for itself. He scored an explosive 30 points and finished the night with a game-winning buzzer-beater that stunned the crowd in Miami. But it wasn't just his play generating headlines—repeatedly, he mocked firing pistols into the air after big plays, a gesture that generated controversy once again.

Some of his teammates participated in the partying behavior, apparently in direct disobedience of the NBA's previous warning. It's not known whether the gestures were orchestrated, but the message appeared loud and clear: Morant wasn't intimidated.

A History of Gun-Related Issues Clouds Morant's Image

This is not Morant's first encounter with gun-related controversy. The Grizzlies guard has been suspended by the league for gun-related incidents in the past, and his recent actions are bringing back questions about his behavior.

While no official discipline has been issued, the NBA is probably looking closely at the situation.

"I was pretty much a villain for two years now," Morant told The Associated Press. "Every little thing, if somebody can say something negative about me, it's going to be out there. So, yeah. I don't care no more."

His comments are a sign of a player adopting a defiant attitude- one that will find some appeal among some fans but is a PR nightmare for the league.

Will the NBA React to Morant's Defiance?

To date, the NBA has not commented on Thursday's game, but disciplinary action could be on the horizon, according to TMZ Sports.

Since the league is working to keep things professional and deter violent imagery, Morant's actions might also result in suspension.