Morant’s bazooka celebration sparks debate around the league – Basketball Insider
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is back in London and giving fans more than just a great show. After missing two weeks with a right calf injury, Morant scored 24 points and dished out 13 assists in a win over the Orlando Magic. He also made 3 of 4 three-pointers. Celebrate with a pretend bazooka move After a deep triple.
Morant’s pantomime celebration – imitating a bazooka – quickly became a talking point. This comes as he continues to try to find ways to celebrate without being subject to league discipline.
What does the bazooka gesture mean?
The bazooka move stood out due to Morant’s history of gestures on the court. The NBA had previously fined the guard for celebrating with a gun on his finger and warned him against weapons-themed conduct.
Some observers thought the bazooka celebration was light-hearted. Others questioned his selection given his past suspensions for off-field incidents involving firearms. Even so, the move went viral on social media after the London game.
Morant has defended his delivery style in the past. In a celebration that previously looked like a grenade being thrown, he said he just “Becoming Jia” — a way to block out the noise in your career and focus on basketball.
— No Context NBA (@NoContext_NBA_) January 18, 2026
On-field performance remains priority
Beyond the celebration, Morant proved he can still dominate the game. His 24-point, 13-assist performance showed that he can control the tempo and create opportunities for his teammates even after missing games. Grizzlies fans saw a confident leader moving forward.
Memphis currently has a record of 18-23 this season, ranking 10th in the Western Conference. The team hopes the star guard can maintain a consistent performance as he competes for a play-in spot.
What’s next for Morant?
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Morant’s play and behavior will attract attention. If he continues to perform at this level, teams will take notice. But any celebration that violates league rules could lead to further scrutiny.
For now, the bazooka cannon is one of the latest highlights of a season filled with ups and downs for Morant. Fans will be watching closely to see what he does next – both on and off the scoreboard.
