UPDATE: Tensions erupted on October 28, 2023, as Klay Thompson fired back at Ja Morant following a heated exchange after the Memphis Grizzlies’ 102-96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Morant, sidelined for the third consecutive game due to a calf strain, confronted Thompson postgame, igniting a war of words between the two players.
In a game filled with confrontations, Thompson found himself at the center of multiple altercations with Grizzlies players, including a heated moment with Santi Aldama after Aldama tripped Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg. The foul was upgraded to a flagrant 1 upon review. Later, both Thompson and Grizzlies wing Vince Williams Jr. received technical fouls after exchanging trash talk.
Thompson’s sharpest remarks were directed at Morant, who took a dig at Thompson’s performance during a postgame interview. “Tell him who the best shooter in the house was,” Morant said, referencing his own absence from the court while also acknowledging Thompson’s season-high 22 points in the loss.
In response, Thompson criticized Morant’s comments as lacking “intelligent depth,” reflecting on the off-court issues that have plagued Morant’s career, including multiple suspensions for conduct detrimental to the team. “It’s funny to run your mouth when you’re on the bench,” Thompson said, highlighting how Morant’s off-court troubles have overshadowed his talent on the court.
Morant, who has faced a tumultuous season averaging just 17.9 points with a shooting percentage of 35.9%, has served numerous suspensions over the past three seasons, including bans for flashing handguns during Instagram Live streams. Thompson pointed out the need for star players like Morant to take responsibility, stating, “We need our best players to be out there, and when you’re a star, it comes with a great responsibility.”
Thompson also recalled the “dirty stuff” from the Grizzlies during their previous playoff encounters, expressing disdain for their current approach. “They just talk a lot… and never really backed it up either,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of performance over words.
This developing story highlights a longstanding rivalry that has intensified since the 2022 playoffs, where Thompson’s Warriors eliminated the Grizzlies, earning him his fourth NBA championship ring. As tensions rise, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how this feud unfolds in the remainder of the season.
Stay tuned for further updates as these two competitors continue to clash both on and off the court.