Fans in Memphis didn’t get to see Ja Morant make a dunk in the second half of the fourth quarter Thursday night, but not because I have given up getting wet.
Morant received a second technical foul after reacting to a questionable foul against him while contesting a breakaway from DeMar DeRozan. Morant was confused and coach Taylor Jenkins was furious about the decision.
After the match, referee crew chief Pat Fraher admitted that Morant should not have been whistled for a foul, saying he was sent off for pointing at a referee and using profanity.
Memphis was up by one when Morant was ejected and won, 115-110. Marcus Smart hit some key free throws down the stretch and had a strong game, scoring 18 points, as did Desmond Bane. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 15 points and the Grizzlies scored 60 points off their bench (compared to 15 for the Kings). DeRozan led all scorers with 26 and got to the line 14 times during the game.
One of those times he sent Morant to the showers early.