In one of the most dramatic and bizarre games of the NBA season, Ja Morant found himself ejected after accumulating two technical fouls in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 115-110 win over the Sacramento Kings. The incident, which revolved around a contentious defensive foul on DeMar DeRozan, left fans, players, and even referees scratching their heads.
As the dust settled, the Grizzlies moved up to second place in the Western Conference standings, but not before the referees admitted their error in ejecting Morant. Let’s unpack this whirlwind of events, complete with humor, controversy, and a happy ending for Memphis.
Ja Morant’s Double T: A Rollercoaster of Emotion
Ja Morant was ejected after receiving two technical fouls! The whole audience was stunned—that’s the headline summarizing the madness that unfolded. In the fourth quarter, Morant was defending DeMar DeRozan, who attempted a fadeaway jumper. Morant, in true defensive style, stayed grounded and held his position. However, the referees blew their whistles, calling a foul on Morant that had everyone—from fans in the arena to commentators—saying, “Wait, what?”
Morant, understandably frustrated, voiced his displeasure as he retreated to the bench. Unfortunately, his choice of words and hand gestures toward the referees earned him a second technical foul and an early exit. If there were a Hall of Fame for unfortunate ejections, this would be a first-ballot entry.
Referees Admit Their Mistake
After the game, referee crew chief Pat Fraher owned up to the error. “Upon review, Morant was in a legal defensive position, and the foul should have been rescinded,” Fraher said. While this admission doesn’t erase the moment, it’s a rare acknowledgment that referees, too, are human (despite what we scream at our TV screens).
The fallout from the decision could have been catastrophic for Memphis, as the Kings tied the game following Morant’s ejection. But as fate (and some clutch plays) would have it, the Grizzlies pulled off a gritty 115-110 victory.
Morant’s Tough Night: 13 Shots, 2 Makes, and 8 Points
It wasn’t a vintage performance from Ja Morant, even before the ejection. Shooting just 2-of-13 from the field and managing only eight points, Morant struggled to find his rhythm. Head coach Taylor Jenkins commented post-game, “Morant was trying to get into the groove, but it just wasn’t his night.”
Even with Morant sidelined, the Grizzlies showed resilience. When he was ejected, the score was tied, but Memphis responded with a 6-0 run to regain control. That stretch embodied the team’s philosophy: when one star falls, the rest rise.
Grizzlies’ Depth Shines
While Morant’s ejection dominated headlines, the Grizzlies’ supporting cast deserves credit for securing the win. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. combined for 45 points, while Steven Adams anchored the defense with 15 rebounds.
Coach Jenkins summed it up perfectly: “We’ve built a team that knows how to respond to adversity, and tonight was proof of that.”
This win pushed the Grizzlies to a 15-8 record, tying them with the Rockets and Mavericks for second place in the Western Conference standings.
Sacramento’s Missed Opportunity
For the Kings, this game felt like one that slipped through their fingers. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis put up respectable numbers, but their inability to capitalize on Morant’s absence was glaring. Sacramento fell to 10-13, dropping further out of playoff contention.
Coach Mike Brown was visibly frustrated, calling out his team’s lack of execution in crunch time. “We had our chances, and we didn’t take them,” Brown lamented.
FAQs
Morant was called for a defensive foul on DeMar DeRozan and subsequently received two technical fouls for arguing with the referees, resulting in his ejection.
Referee crew chief Pat Fraher admitted post-game that the foul call on Morant was incorrect and should have been overturned.
Memphis relied on their depth and resilience, going on a crucial 6-0 run late in the fourth quarter to secure the 115-110 victory.
Sacramento must regroup quickly as they try to climb out of their current standings slump, sitting at 10-13 and outside the playoff picture.
Conclusion
“Ja Morant was ejected after getting two technical fouls! The whole crowd was stunned” pretty much captures the chaos of the night. From questionable officiating to clutch team play, this game had it all.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, this win was a testament to their depth and determination. Even on a night when their star player struggled and was controversially ejected, the team rallied to move up to second place in the Western Conference.
The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, need to address their inability to capitalize on such opportunities. Losing to a Morant-less Grizzlies team highlights their inconsistency and raises questions about their playoff aspirations.
As for Ja Morant? He’ll undoubtedly bounce back stronger, but let’s hope his next ejection-worthy moment is reserved for a highlight-reel dunk—not a refereeing debacle. Until then, Grizzlies fans can rest easy knowing their team is more than just a one-man show.
