Fans in Memphis didn’t see Ja Morant dunk in the bottom of the fourth quarter on Thursday night, but not because he has sworn off dunking.
Morant was assessed a second technical foul after responding to a questionable foul against him while contesting a DeMar DeRozan fadeaway. Morant was confused and coach Taylor Jenkins was furious about the decision.
After the match, referee chief Pat Fraher admitted that Morant should not have blown his whistle due to a foul. He said he was sent off for pointing at a referee and using profanity.
Memphis led by one when Morant was ejected and eventually won 115-110. Marcus Smart hit some key free throws down the stretch and had a strong game, scoring 18 points, as did Desmond Bane. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 15 points, and the Grizzlies got 60 points off their bench (compared to 15 for the Kings). DeRozan led all scorers with 26 and was at the line 14 times during the game.
One of those times sent Morant to the shower early.
