Ja Morant is doubtful for the remainder of the Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA playoff run, but the star point guard still made his presence known from the bench during Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Warriors.
Late in the third quarter of Golden State’s dismal 134-95 loss at FedExForum on Wednesday night, Morant appeared to imitate Steph Curry’s signature four-point play celebration after a Ziaire Williams 3-point jumper and subsequent shooting foul by Damion Lee.
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The four-point play gave the Grizzlies a 119-64 lead in what was a must-win game for Memphis. They ultimately pulled off the victory with ease to shrink Golden State’s series lead to 3-2, but not before Morant was able to pour more salt on the wound with his subtle jab.
Curry is known for counting out his four-point plays, which tend to be a common occurrence for the legendary 3-point shooter.
There was little opportunity for celebration from Curry and the rest of the Warriors during Golden State’s loss, but Morant made sure to fill the void -- and even Jaren Jackson Jr. joined in.
Morant has stirred the pot already during the semifinals by tweeting and then deleting a post implying Jordan Poole “broke the code” by grabbing at his knee during the Warriors’ Game 3 victory. He was ruled out for the rest of the postseason after sustaining a bone bruise, and Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins doubled down on the team’s belief that Poole had something to do with Morant’s injury ahead of Game 5.
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The phrase “broke the code” was in reference to Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s comments that Dillon Brooks did so when he was ejected from Game 2 and served a one-game suspension for a Flagrant 2 foul that broke Gary Payton II’s elbow.
Clearly there has been no shortage of drama between these two teams during the series, and Morant further twisted the knife with his impression of Curry on Wednesday.
The two teams will face off again for a pivotal Game 6 on Friday, where the Warriors will have another chance to close out the series at Chase Center.
