Ja Morant Fined $25K For Throwing Ball Into Stands During Grizzlies vs. Knicks

The Memphis Grizzlies lost Friday's home game against the New York Knicks 114-113, but the game was costly beyond the standings for star guard Ja Morant.

That is because the NBA announced Sunday it fined Morant $25,000 for throwing the ball into the stands at the end of the third quarter of the contest.

It was a bizarre scene at the end of the third quarter, as Morant launched the ball the length of the court and into the stands after the buzzer sounded. A generous interpretation of the development would say the guard was attempting a buzzer-beater, but it was well after the quarter ended.

Officials gave him a technical foul, and the point from OG Anunoby's ensuing free throw proved critical considering the Knicks won by one.

Morant may have been frustrated, as Mikal Bridges blocked his shot in the final seconds of the quarter. Memphis also struggled with turnovers throughout the game on the way to 18, four of which came from the lead guard himself.

The back-and-forth contest ended with Anunoby drilling a go-ahead three-pointer in the final seconds before Morant's layup attempt rolled off the rim.

Santi Aldama could have won it with a tip-in, but he was unable to convert.

Morant finished with 25 points and seven assists, while Jalen Brunson notched 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block for the Knicks. New York swept the season series as a result of Friday's win.