Tensions were so high in Saturday’s duel between the two top teams in the Western Conference that even the father of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was ejected.
Tee Morant, a fixture at Grizzlies games, was tossed by game officials late in Memphis’ 125-112 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Play was halted in the fourth quarter as arena security escorted Tee Morant from his seat.
Ja Morant, who was held to 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting in the defeat, was asked about his father’s early exit.
“He probably got kicked out so I didn’t,” Ja Morant told reporters. “He probably was complaining about something to the ref.”
Oklahoma City was actually called for more fouls (27-21), while Memphis had more free-throw attempts (28-17). Ja Morant went to the line just four times, making two.
NBA crew chief Josh Tiven spoke to a pool reporter after the game.
“The fan continued to repeat overtly disrespectful statements about the integrity of the officiating crew, so as the crew chief I approached security and asked that he be removed,” Tiven said.
With the victory, the NBA-best Thunder improved to 42-9 and widened their lead in the Western Conference to 7 1/2 games over the Grizzlies.
