TL;DR
- * Memphis Grizzlies lost to Los Angeles Lakers despite a 15-point lead.
- * Ja Morant suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
- * Morant's suspension stems from a postgame exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo.
- * Luka Doncic outperformed Morant in the matchup; Morant's absence is a disadvantage.
The Memphis Grizzlies blew a golden opportunity to begin NBA Cup play with a monumental franchise.
The 3-3 Western Conference franchise led the Los Angeles Lakers by 15 points at one point on Friday night, but ultimately failed to close the deal (they lost 117-112).
Ja Morant, who struggled in the contest, didn’t do himself any favors during the postgame festivities, resulting in the Grizzlies suspending the 26-year-old star for one game.
“Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Saturday.
“Suspension comes as a result of Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo challenging Morant's leadership and effort in a postgame exchange after loss to the Lakers on Friday night -- to which Morant responded in a tone deemed Unsuitable.”
Despite recent ankle discomfort, Morant was cleared to play for The Grizzlies during their game against the Lakers.
Luka Doncic undeniably won the matchup between star point guards, achieving 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, whereas Morant managed only eight rebounds and seven assists. And a single rebound.
Still, with Morant out of the Grizzlies’ lineup for one game, the organization will be at a noticeable disadvantage on Sunday evening against the Toronto Raptors.
The Murray State product's single-game suspension is expected to cost him more than $200,000, compounding the existing setback.
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