Star guard Ja Morant visited the Kia Center in Orlando on Monday to witness his former Memphis Grizzlies teammate, Desmond Bane, put on a performance against the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Morant, on the other hand, may have gone too far with his celebrations.
The two-time All-Star performed his renowned pistol celebration after Bane nailed a dagger three with 1:16 remaining in the fourth quarter to provide the Orlando Magic a 92-86 lead.
Bane’s former teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr. , was also present. However, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year did not participate in Morant’s celebratory routine.
NBA fans react to Ja Morant
Fans on social media thought Morant was being genuine to himself with his celebration.
“Shocker, Ja is creating weapons with his hands. “
“Ja still shooting, LOL! “
Some fans joked that Morant was on the verge of becoming the first NBA player to be barred for a sideline celebration.
“Adam Silver is about to send him to the gulag. “
“He still don’t learn. The NBA has to fine him $100,000 and suspend him ten games every time he makes a gun gesture. “
The NBA fined Morant $75,000 in April 2025 for doing his gun celebration during a game. Following the penalty, he made headlines by debuting a “grenade-toss” celebration during a game against the Charlotte Hornets, which included pulling a pin, tossing an explosive into the stands, and covering his ears.
Desmond Bane Thanks. Ja Morant.
The NBA’s strong prohibition on Morant’s jubilant actions is largely owing to his past involvement in gun-related events. In March 2023, the athletic guard was suspended for eight games after brandishing a firearm at a Colorado bar. Then, in June 2023, he was suspended for 25 games after brandishing a pistol in a vehicle on IG Live.
Bane, who led the Magic with 22 points and five made 3-pointers, thanked Morant and Jackson Jr. for traveling to Orlando to see him play.
“It’s special,” Bane said of his former teammates’ backing for him.
“Those are folks with whom I spent five years with, launched my career with, and created numerous memories with. It’s a bond that will last forever. Those are males who are very important to me. I am grateful that they showed up to offer help. ”
Bane and the Magic will seek to wrap up the top-seeded Pistons in Game 5 on Wednesday night. The Pistons came into the series as overwhelming favorites, having won 60 games in the regular season for the first time since 2005-06.
