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Two NBA stars had words with each other during their game on Saturday night.
The incident involved Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Klay Thompson and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. The former Murray State standout confronted Thompson after Memphis sealed the 102-96 victory. Morant did not play in the game due to a calf strain.
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Mavericks guard Klay Thompson runs the court after scoring against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The two players’ rivalry dates back to the 2022 NBA Playoffs, when Thompson, who was on the Golden State Warriors, helped eliminate the Grizzlies from the postseason. While the situation did not escalate on the pitch on Saturday night, pot shots were taken behind media microphones.
Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer was talking to the telecast after the game when Morant came over and made several comments.
“Tell him who the best shooter in the house was,” Morant said, via ESPN. “That wasn’t bro from Golden State.”
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant watches from the bench during the Dallas Mavericks game at American Airlines Center on Nov. 22, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
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Thompson didn’t care when asked about the interaction with Morant. He said Morant was a “fun guy” who “rarely takes responsibility” for his actions.
“Nothing of intelligent depth. It was really just him running his mouth. And he’s been running his mouth for a long time,” Thompson said. “It’s fun to run your mouth when you’re on the bench. That’s a bit of the story of his career so far – just leaves us wanting more.
“We all want to see him out there and do his best, but he’s just let a lot of other things get in the way of that. And we need that in the NBA. We need our best players to be out there, and when you’re a star, that comes with a lot of responsibility, and I hate to see that go to waste.”
Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Williams Jr. Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson pushes at the American Airlines Center on Nov. 22, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
Morant has faced suspensions the last three seasons for several different issues.
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Thompson scored 22 points off the bench. He had a separate incident with Grizzlies player Vince Williams Jr. in the fourth quarter, resulting in double technical fouls.
