‘Off-the-court issues affected us…’: Ja Morant reacts after Grizzlies exit
Ja Morant is disappointed after his team, the Memphis Grizzlies, was eliminated from the first round of the NBA playoffs on Friday. The Grizzlies lost the series 4–2 after being routed by the Los Angeles Lakers 85–125 in Game 6. Morant finished the match with 10 points, five rebounds and six assists.
In a conversation with the media, Morant highlighted that off-the-court issues affected the team’s performance. He talked about the importance of being disciplined and vowed to get better at his decision making.
Read this also Watch: Tearful father informs son Deuce Von about selection by Dallas Cowboys during 2023 NFL Draft
“I’ve got to get better at my decision-making. That’s a lot. Off-the-court issues have affected us a lot as an organization. Just (need) more discipline,” Morant told ESPN. “
“I feel like I’m more off the court and more on the court – just being disciplined both sides. Off the court, better decision making. On the court, being even more locked in. One of this team’s Being the leader, it pretty much starts with me. That’s why I attack in any situation, I know my guys will follow. I have to get better in that area,” he said.
Specifically, Morant received an eight-game suspension from a Denver-area strip club in March for displaying a handgun during an Instagram Live session. And in January, Morant was investigated by the Indiana Pacers for allegations that a red laser, which they believed to be from a gun, was directed at him from a vehicle in which the Grizzlies star was traveling.
In addition to other off-court issues, Morant was alleged to have assaulted a high school boy during a pickup game in his backyard. In another incident, Morant and his friends were accused of threatening a mall security guard after Morant’s mother felt disrespected by a shoe store employee.
Meanwhile, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins called the elimination a wake-up call and highlighted the importance of discipline on and off the court. He said “I think we have a great culture, and your culture is going to be tested. I mean there are going to be occasions that are going to see how strong you are, how together you are , how flexible you are, how disciplined you are.” Are. And then have you build something day-by-day to really try to win a championship. It doesn’t happen overnight. Nothing is going to be a straight line. ,
“In my opinion, this is probably the moment in time that is going to be the ultimate wake-up call. Are we really going to understand that it’s preparation and off-season, preparation in season? It’s what you work on.” But let’s do it, off the court – clearly, there are things that we have to take control of and just embrace it together. How are we going to support each other through all of these things? It’s a journey that You do it from the beginning of the season to the end of the season, and it’s not supposed to be easy, any of it.
