Ja Morant has been in hot water with the league ever since his celebration involving pointing both fingers in a gun motion. It’s something that may seem petty to frequent viewers, but as the NBA continues to try to keep its image clean, they have been strict on Morant.
Morant has been suspended twice in the past for flashing a gun on social media and has since tried his best to stay healthy and help his team clinch a playoff spot this season. Last week, head coach Taylor Jenkins was let go after six seasons. The rumor was that Morant was unhappy and wanted Jenkins out—12 claims he was sleeping on the couch when the news broke.
The team sustained a four-game losing streak following Jenkins’ firing. In their fourth loss in a row, against the Golden State Warriors, Morant pointed his fingers in a shooting motion at guard Buddy Hield. Hield and Draymond Green took exception, pointing it out to the officials during a timeout.
Morant has been celebrating with the same motion throughout the season, but it’s being highlighted now after the controversial game against the Warriors. He led his team to their first win in five games and finished with a step-back jumper at the buzzer. Morant was seen doing his patented shooting celebration again last night—and the NBA responded this morning.
The league fined Morant $75,000 for making an “inappropriate gesture” in his second consecutive game. Morant needs to understand that you have to bend, not break—you’re a franchise player. Kids buy your jersey, they support you, and they want to emulate you, so it might be wise to choose a new celebration.
Check out the compilation of Morant’s celebration from this season below.
Here’s video of Ja Morant doing this *exact same celebration* in four different games over the last month.
This is a complete non-story. https://t.co/M1rXkM07o5 pic.twitter.com/yRksQAJS5E
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) April 4, 2025
