Klay Thompson Rips Ja Morant After Viral Videos of Grizzlies Star Taunting NBA Legend
Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson offered a cutting response to the trash talk from Ja Morant after his team's 102-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The pair had to be separated after Morant approached Thompson on the court following the final buzzer.
During Cam Spencer's postgame interview on the local television broadcast, Morant took a shot at Thompson.
"Tell 'em who the best shooter in the house was. It wasn't bro from Golden State," Morant said away from the microphone.
Thompson fired back during his media scrum in the locker room.
The five-time All-Star called Morant a "funny guy" who "has a lot to say all the time, especially for a guy who rarely takes accountability." He added that Morant offered "nothing of intelligent depth."
"It was really just running his mouth, and he's been running his mouth for a long time," Thompson told reporters. "It's funny to run your mouth when you're on the bench. It's kind of the story of his career so far, just leaving us wanting more.
"We all want to see him out there and do his best, but he's just been letting a lot of other stuff get in the way of that. We need that in the NBA. We need our best players to be out there, and when you're a star, it comes with a great responsibility. I hate to see that go to waste."
Thompson no longer plays on the Golden State Warriors, but Morant hasn't fully moved on from the tense rivalry he and the Grizzlies had with Golden State a few years ago.
Morant's team came out on top Saturday night, but Thompson arguably landed a knockout blow during their war of words. He matter-of-factly provided the book on Morant.
The two-time All-Star possesses all of the tools to be a perennial MVP candidate but hasn't put it all together for a variety of reasons. Injuries have played a role in that, but he has committed some unforced errors.
Morant is also in the midst of his worst season in the NBA. Through 12 appearances, he's averaging 17.9 points on 35.9 percent shooting, including just 16.7 percent from beyond the arc. Saturday was his third straight missed game because of a calf strain.
Morant being in street clothes and trash-talking a star who has accomplished significantly more than he has doesn't make for a great look.
The Grizzlies and Mavericks don't play again until Feb. 27, by which point any tension from Saturday night may have dissipated. Still, NBA fans might want to circle that date on their calendars.
