In Dallas, tensions ran high in a game that left its mark even after the final buzzer. The Memphis Grizzlies beat the Mavericks 102-96, but the real highlight came when Ja Morant and Klay Thompson faced off after the game.

Few words, but sharp ones: Morant seemed to label Thompson with a direct jab that quickly went viral on social media.

You a bum now

Ja Morant

Thompson, after all, had been taunting the Grizzlies throughout the game. And as we know: if you talk a lot, you better win. Not to mention the rather heated history between him and Memphis, full of intense playoff battles and mutual jabs.

We also recall the most “famous” instance when in 2022 Klay called Jaren Jackson Jr. a “loser” after Golden State won the series. It’s easy to see why Morant chose that exact word.

Paradoxically, though, this was Thompson’s best game of the season: 22 points and some flashes of the old Klay. But the desperate three-pointer in the final seconds ended all hopes for the Mavs, who have now fallen to 5-13. The veteran’s frustration is obvious, and Morant’s taunt certainly doesn’t help his mood.

Memphis, on the other hand, is enjoying a rare positive moment: two wins in a row, all without Morant on the court, still sidelined with a calf issue. After the game, the number 12 delivered another cryptic comment, bringing up Pat Spencer (who scored 17 points with 3/5 from three), Cam’s brother and a Warriors player.

Tell him who was the best shooter on the floor today. It wasn’t the Golden State guy

Ja Morant

A little NBA soap opera, in short: sparks and jabs. All perfectly normal for the Grizzlies. And on Monday, Denver awaits: another game, another possible episode of the saga.