The Memphis Grizzlies suspended star point guard Ja Morant for one game because of conduct detrimental to the team.
The suspension comes as a result of first-year Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo challenging Morant’s leadership and effort in a postgame exchange after Friday night’s 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers — to which Morant responded in a tone deemed inappropriate and dismissive, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. The confrontation happened in front of the team, sources said.
Morant was held to a season-low eight points — going 3-of-14 from the field — and seven assists and was terse when asked what he noticed in the game.
“According to [the coaching staff], probably don’t play me, honestly,” Morant said. “That’s basically what the message was. It’s cool.”
Morant also told reporters to “go ask the coaching staff” while responding to questions about his performance without explaining further. He is averaging a career-low 28.5 minutes through six games.
Iisalo, whose postgame news conference ended before he could be asked about Morant’s comments, took over as coach for Taylor Jenkins following a surprise firing late last season. A reported factor in Jenkins’ firing was a belief from the team that he’d lost the locker room.
The Grizzlies next play the Raptors in Toronto on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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