Morant’s Bazooka Celebration Sparks Talk Across the League – Basketball Insiders

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant returned to action in London and gave fans more than just a big performance. After missing two weeks with a right calf issue, Morant scored 24 points and dished 13 assists in a win over the Orlando Magic. He also hit 3 of 4 three-point attempts and celebrated with a pretend bazooka motion after one deep triple.

Morant’s pantomime celebration — miming a bazooka — quickly became a talking point. It came amid his ongoing efforts to find ways to celebrate without drawing discipline from the league.

What the Bazooka Gesture Means

The bazooka move stood out because of Morant’s history with on-court gestures. The NBA fined the guard previously for a finger gun celebration and has warned him about weapon-themed actions.

Some observers saw the bazooka celebration as lighthearted. Others questioned the choice given his past suspensions for incidents involving firearms off the court. Even so, the gesture spread quickly on social media after the London game.

Morant has defended his expressive style in the past. In prior celebrations that looked like grenade throws, he said he was simply “being Ja” — a way to block out the noise around his career and focus on basketball.

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On-Court Performance Still the Priority

Beyond the celebration, Morant proved he can still dominate games. His 24-point, 13-assist performance showed he can control pace and create for teammates even after missing time. Grizzlies fans saw a confident leader who picked up right where he left off.

Memphis now sits 18-23 on the season and is in the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. The team wants consistent production from its star guard as it battles for a play-in position.

What Comes Next for Morant

With the NBA trade deadline nearing, Morant’s play and behavior will attract attention. If he keeps producing at this level, teams will take notice. But any celebration that brushes up against league rules could lead to further scrutiny.

For now, the bazooka celly is one of the latest highlights in a season full of ups and downs for Morant. Fans will be watching closely to see what he does next — both on and off the scoreboard.