The Grizzlies believe this firing will help reconnect the team's tantalizing core -- and reignite Ja Morant. But in truth, this dismissal began with five other ones nearly a year ago.

The Athletic's Sam Amick, Fred Katz and Joe Vardon previously reported after that Morant "remained supportive of the coach up to the end," but did not enjoy playing in an offensive system that "takes the ball out of his hands and removes the screens he likes to use as a ball handler to make plays."

On the same day when he reportedly received a warning from the NBA against making a "finger gun" gesture on the court, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant broke out the same celebration Thursday night.

The NBA has issued warnings to Ja Morant and Buddy Hield for gun gestures from Tuesday's game between the Grizzlies and Warriors.

Notably, Morant appeared to be making the finger guns toward the Grizzlies bench Thursday, rather than the Heat bench. Morant received a technical foul for his efforts, as did War

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant again made a gun gesture with his fingers before going on to hit the game-winner in his team’s 110-108 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday, despite reportedly receiving a warning from the NBA for performing the same celebration earlier this week.

Warriors guard Buddy Hield is being investigated by the NBA after a late-game exchange with Grizzlies star Ja Morant featuring gestures mimicking guns during Golden State’s 134-125 victory in Memphis on Tuesday night.

Ja Morant hit a game-winning jump-shot as time expired to lift the Grizzles to a 110-108 win over the Miami Heat on the road in Kaseya Center.