Ja Morant to Appeal Flopping Technical as Blazers HC Micah Nori Shades Refs After Win vs. Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant declared that he plans to appeal the technical foul he was assessed for flopping late in Tuesday night's 136-129 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Regarding the call and why he intends on appealing, Morant told reporters, "I just showed my hands and took a bump in my chest. It ain't like I fell. I just kept going backwards. It is what it is. I'll try to appeal it. I think it's like a $2,000 [fine]."

The call was made with 3:49 remaining in regulation when Lakers guard Austin Reaves attempted to drive to the basket. Morant absorbed contact and stumbled backward on the play.

It was one of three flopping calls made against Portland in the final six minutes of the game, which Blazers head coach Micah Nori flagged as strange since there were only "27 flops called last year in 2,000 games total."

Trail Blazers-Lakers Highlights

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Nori also told reporters, "Good job by the NBA. Point of emphasis. Great job. There were [71] free throws. We almost got past 2 a.m. on the East Coast for the [end of the] game. Sorry to keep you all here so long."

Despite the controversial calls, Portland persevered and remained one of just four undefeated teams in the NBA by improving to 3-0. Meanwhile, the Lakers suffered their first loss, falling to 3-1.

The Blazers got contributions up and down the lineup, as six players scored in double figures and four topped 20 points, led by Morant's 23.

Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić went off for a game-high 41 points, and Reaves added 26, but Portland's balanced attack ultimately won the night.