MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis guard Ja Morant returned and started Monday night against the Detroit Pistons after serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
But there were few details about the disagreement between the organization and its star guard.
The team-imposed punishment was issued based on actions by Morant, the team’s leading scorer, in Memphis’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Morant served the suspension in Sunday’s road loss at Toronto.
Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo avoided details of the disagreement with Morant before the game Monday, saying it was “an internal matter” and wouldn’t be discussed in public.
“We had a discussion, and we’re all looking to move forward and beat the Pistons,” said Iisalo, who is in his first full season as Grizzlies coach. He took over on an interim basis late last season after the organization fired Taylor Jenkins.
Morant was in the Grizzlies’ locker room before the game but ignored questions from reporters before getting dressed for warmups and leaving without saying a word.
Morant, who had only eight points in Friday’s loss, seemed disengaged during the second half and was less aggressive throughout. Normally one of the league’s best finishers in the paint, Morant settled for jumpers, attempting almost as many 3-pointers as he did shots in the lane.
Morant, who averages 20.8 points and 6.7 assists, answered each question after that game with a variety of “go ask the coaching staff.” At one point, he was asked what the team could do differently, replying: “According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly. That’s what basically the message was after. It’s cool.”
