Ja Morant doesn’t mind being labeled the NBA’s ‘villain.’ In a thrilling moment, he sank a game-winning jumper at the buzzer, propelling the Memphis Grizzlies to a victory over the Miami Heat. As he danced down the court, the hush of the crowd echoed his triumph.
Embracing the role, he remarked, “I feel like I’ve been the villain for the last two years now, not just to this crowd.”
Morant has indeed inhabited this persona frequently. His talent for dominating games was on full display Thursday night; his buzzer-beater capped a remarkable 30-point performance that ended Memphis’s four-game losing streak. This could have been the highlight of the evening.
However, the narrative runs deeper.
Morant’s previous encounters with firearms—both real and simulated—have resurfaced in discussions. In 2023, he faced two suspensions from the NBA: one lasting eight games and another for 25 games, stemming from incidents involving firearms on social media, including one at a club in Denver and another in a vehicle.
[MORE: NBA warns Ja Morant, Buddy Hield following gun gestures]
“I’m well aware,” Morant acknowledged, responding to inquiries about the criticism he faces. He made it clear that it doesn’t affect him.
The Grizzlies were supportive during his challenging moments on the court.
After a sluggish start with only three points on 1-for-7 shooting in the first half, Morant transformed his game, scoring 27 points in the second half on 10-for-15 shooting, including the decisive jumper. He had a clear plan for the final 13.8 seconds of the possession.
“That’s beautiful to watch,” commented Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, who celebrated his first win after four attempts since taking the helm. “It boosts confidence for me as a coach and for the entire team to have a player like him.”
This victory elevated Memphis out of the play-in tournament zone, securing the No. 6 spot—the last guaranteed playoff position—in the Western Conference. Morant’s celebration post-game was expected, especially after performing well in a challenging away game.
“Anyone would relish that,” noted Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. “But for him, I think he thrives in that environment. I wouldn’t boo him; I wouldn’t boo him.”
