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[Saba Sports News] The NBA has issued formal warnings—but no suspensions or fines—to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Buddy Hield after both players made inappropriate gun-like gestures toward each other during Tuesday night’s game in Memphis, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
After reviewing the footage, the league determined the gestures were “inappropriate and unnecessary,” though not “violent in nature.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized in recent years that players should avoid any on-court celebrations that simulate firearms.
The incident occurred with 20.1 seconds remaining in the game. As Morant walked toward the opposite end of the court and the Grizzlies’ bench, he mimicked pointing a gun at Hield and the Warriors’ bench, extending his left arm fully.
Both players were issued double technical fouls, but the game concluded without further conflict.
Following Golden State’s 134-125 victory, league officials were made aware of the exchange during a timeout. Sources say Silver was “very displeased,” particularly given Morant’s history involving firearms.
Morant previously served an eight-game suspension in March 2023 for flashing a gun during an Instagram livestream in a Denver nightclub. He was later suspended 25 games at the start of the 2023–24 season for a repeat incident.
After returning from the 25-game ban, Morant played just nine games before a season-ending shoulder injury. In total, he’s appeared in 46 games this season, averaging 22.7 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds on 45.4% shooting. The Grizzlies, who recently fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, currently sit at 44-32 and have dropped seven of their last eight games.