Ja Morant benched one game after remarks on Grizzlies staff
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The Memphis Grizzlies’ start to the 2025-26 season hasn’t lived up to expectations — at least if you ask Ja Morant.
The NBA Cup opening night loss to the Los Angeles Lakers left Morant visibly disillusioned with the Grizzlies’ coaching staff. The two-time NBA All-Star responded to questions in the locker room about how he played in the 117-112 loss, “Go ask the coaches.”
on saturday, ESPN reported Morant was “suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team.”
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Ja Morant (12) of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles during a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on April 3, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
The reported discipline comes less than 24 hours after Morant publicly criticized the team and coaches.
When asked Friday about things Memphis could have done differently in the loss to the Lakers, a seemingly annoyed Morant replied: “To them, probably don’t play me, obviously. That was basically the message. Great.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Grizzlies for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Morant finished Friday’s game with eight points; This was the lowest total among Grizzlies starters. Jaylen Wells led the team with 16 points.
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Friday’s loss dropped the Grizzlies to 3-3.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) walks off the court during the second half of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)
The defeat and Morant’s underwhelming shooting performance were exacerbated by his slower pace and lower energy level than many have become accustomed to since his rise to NBA stardom.
The Grizzlies’ front office decided to make a coaching change after the team lost 4-0 to the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacted after scoring a basket against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter. (Petre Thomas/Imagn Images)
Tuomas Iisalo is the head coach of the Grizzlies.
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The Grizzlies will return to action on Sunday when they visit the Toronto Raptors.
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