Ja Morant may have been sidelined with a calf injury during the Memphis Grizzlies’ 102-96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, but he wasn’t going to let that stop him from creating drama. While his teammates battled it out on the court, Morant found a way to get involved in the postgame fireworks, and this time, it was at the expense of Klay Thompson.

The scene unfolded at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, after the Grizzlies secured the win, which helped them continue their climb up the Western Conference standings. While Morant’s calf injury kept him off the floor, he was certainly still present, both physically and emotionally. As the final buzzer sounded and the teams began to clear the court, Morant and Thompson exchanged words, and it didn’t take long for the intensity to escalate. The verbal confrontation between the two stars was quick and heated, with Morant seemingly calling Thompson “a bum” in the midst of a brief but fiery exchange.

It was a moment that instantly caught the attention of fans and analysts, with social media lighting up over the dramatic turn of events. The entire world was watching as two of the most talented players in the NBA, though not facing off directly, took their rivalry to a personal level. The drama didn’t just stir excitement; it revealed a deeper tension between the two, one that had been brewing for months.

On the surface, Klay Thompson’s performance in the game seemed to make him an unlikely target for Morant’s trash talk. The veteran sharpshooter led the Mavericks with 22 points and six three-pointers, bringing some much-needed offense to a team that’s struggled with consistency. Thompson’s shooting kept the Mavericks in the game for most of the contest, and he was a big part of the team’s push to stay competitive.

However, in a season where the stakes are always high, the biggest mistake for Thompson came in the game’s final moments. With the Mavericks down by three, Thompson had a chance to tie the game with a deep three-pointer. He launched the shot from well beyond the arc, nearly at the logo, but it missed badly. The shot sealed Dallas’ fate, handing Memphis the win and sending Thompson to the sidelines with a bitter reminder of just how much this game meant.

That miss—and the fact that it came in such a crucial moment—seemed to further fuel Morant’s verbal jab after the game. As Thompson walked off the court, his frustration was evident, and Morant made sure to capitalize on the situation. While Thompson’s missed shot may have been a symbol of his own struggles this season, it was also a moment that Morant couldn’t resist taking a dig at, even from the sidelines.

What followed was a tense, postgame exchange between the two players. Morant, ever the provocateur, didn’t let the opportunity slip. Instead, he took his shot at Thompson in his usual, unapologetic style. Morant was caught on camera during a postgame interview with Cam Spencer, another Grizzlies player, hyping up Spencer as “the best shooter in the house.” The subtle but pointed comment seemed to be a clear swipe at Thompson, who had made his name as one of the best shooters in the NBA over the course of his career with the Golden State Warriors.

Morant’s words were as playful as they were cutting: “Tell ‘em who the best shooter in the house was, it wasn’t bro from Golden State,” he said, making a pointed reference to Thompson’s former team and his storied legacy with the Warriors. While Morant’s comment could be interpreted as lighthearted banter, it’s clear that it was also a way to needle Thompson, especially after the exchange the two had just had.

While Morant’s trash talk may have been all in good fun, there’s no denying that it adds another layer to the growing rivalry between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks. This isn’t the first time Morant has been involved in verbal sparring with the Mavericks. In fact, earlier this season, Morant was seen taunting one of Thompson’s teammates, adding fuel to the fire between the two teams. The Grizzlies’ win over the Mavericks was not just a victory in the standings—it was another chapter in a rivalry that’s quickly turning into one of the most exciting, and intense, in the NBA.

The context of the rivalry is worth noting. The Grizzlies have been a rising force in the Western Conference for several years, with Morant leading the charge as one of the most electrifying players in the league. But Memphis has always had a chip on its shoulder, and that edge has often played out in its on-court interactions with other teams, especially those with established stars like Thompson. Morant has never been shy about showing his competitive fire, and it’s clear that he relishes the opportunity to take shots at players he views as rivals, even when he’s not actively participating in the game.

As for Thompson, the missed three-pointer and the ensuing drama only add to what has been a challenging season for the Warriors legend. Thompson, once considered one of the best shooters the game has ever seen, has been struggling with injuries and inconsistencies since his return to full health. His performance against the Grizzlies, while strong, didn’t change the fact that he was unable to deliver in the clutch, something that’s always been a hallmark of his game.

Still, despite the criticism and trash talk, Thompson remains one of the most respected players in the NBA. He’s known for his work ethic, his loyalty to the Warriors, and his incredible shooting ability. However, this season has shown that even the greatest players face adversity, and Thompson’s performance against Memphis will undoubtedly be a reminder that no one is immune to criticism—especially when the stakes are as high as they were on Saturday night.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are continuing to show they can win without their star player. Even with Morant sidelined, Memphis pulled off a tough victory against a dangerous Mavericks team. The win shows that the Grizzlies are not just a one-man show, and their depth and team-oriented approach will be a key factor in their playoff hopes this season. Morant may have been the center of attention off the court, but it was the collective effort of the Grizzlies that ultimately led to the victory.

For the Mavericks, the loss was another tough blow in what has been an up-and-down season. Despite strong performances from Thompson and other key players, Dallas continues to struggle with consistency and execution, especially in crucial moments like the final seconds of the game. The missed three-pointer was a bitter reminder of the team’s ongoing issues, and it will likely continue to weigh on the minds of both Thompson and the Mavericks as they try to right the ship in the coming weeks.

This game, and the drama that followed, are just a glimpse of what’s to come between these two teams. As the Grizzlies continue to climb the standings and the Mavericks search for answers, the rivalry between Memphis and Dallas is bound to intensify. Whether it’s Morant’s trash talk, Thompson’s shooting, or the heated moments on the court, one thing is clear: when these two teams meet, it’s more than just a basketball game—it’s a battle for pride, a showdown between two of the most competitive teams in the NBA.