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[Saba Sports News] Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies were left frustrated by a controversial technical foul called on the star guard during the second half of Friday’s game against the New York Knicks.
With the Grizzlies leading 88-82 and seconds remaining in the third quarter at FedExForum in Memphis, Knicks guard Miles McBride attempted a three-pointer from the top of the key but failed to release the ball before the buzzer.
The shot ricocheted off the rim and into Morant’s hands, who then launched a full-court heave. However, as he walked off the floor, officials hit him with a technical foul, sparking animated protests from Morant, his teammates, and the Memphis coaching staff.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby knocked down the technical free throw to start the fourth quarter—a point that proved crucial as New York edged out Memphis with a 114-113 victory. Anunoby later buried a corner three with 4.3 seconds left to seal the win.
Officials may have interpreted Morant’s full-court attempt as an act of frustration after his shot was blocked on the previous possession.
Despite the tough loss, Morant put up an impressive stat line with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists. Still, he’d likely want a redo on that final heave, given how the game played out.