After receiving heavy criticism, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant might find peace in Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony‘s words. The Grizzlies faced a disappointing defeat in Games 1 and 2 against the OKC Thunder’s young roster, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The team aimed to rebound in Game 3, but Morant’s injury derailed those plans. If anything, Morant has landed in hot water for his odd gesture. However, Carmelo Anthony seemingly has a different opinion.

Game 1 was far from expectations for the Grizzlies. Given the OKC Thunder’s performance all year round, it was supposed to be a tough encounter. But the team’s loss by a 51-point gap (131-80) in Game 1 against the Thunder was shocking. The frustration among the fans was obvious. Despite his usual defense of Morant, Stephen A. Smith blasted the star, arguing his bench laughter signaled indifference to a 51-point collapse. What influenced such an opinion? 

At the end of the game, Morant, who was on the bench, was spotted laughing along with his teammates. “Here’s what I won’t veer attention away from: You lost by 51. Y’all were down 50. And you’re on the bench… laughing? No. I don’t want to see that. I don’t think anybody in Memphis wants to see that,” Smith said.

Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony offered a more empathetic reading of Morant’s reaction. He believes that, rather than a nonchalant look, the Grizzlies star had an embarrassed laugh with his teammates. “That’s like a like a f–k you laugh like all right I see y’all n—-  like ‘all right y’all got us.’ Like it’s like that to me. That’s what it seemed like,” he said at 7PM in Brooklyn. 

When Melo was asked about what he would done at a situation such as this, he said, “You got to laugh to keep from crying and keep from spazzing out. You got to laugh this s–t off you got to find something that catches your attention that you are able to laugh at to take your mind off going in the locker room and spazzing,” he said.

Smith’s take might be understandable. Even if Melo is right about Morant’s gesture being one of embarrassment and humiliation, this might have left the wrong impression on the fans. Smith explained that this gives the wrong message to fans, making it seem like the losses are not being taken seriously by the players.

After Morant’s return following injury and suspension, everyone predicted the team would bounce back. But that hasn’t been the case. However, both Morant and the team made great efforts in Game 3. The Memphis Grizzlies had a 26-point lead by halftime. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to recover, winning Game 3 (114-108).

Morant had 15 points before his scary fall and exit from the game. As many might know, this isn’t the first time Morant’s on-court gesture has received criticism.

Ja Morant’s bizarre gesture gets him fined by the NBA

A firearms celebration gesture by Morant isn’t quite the right combo considering his previous incidents. He received two suspensions over the same in 2023. However, just a few days ago, the Grizzlies’ star was seen celebrating this bizarre celebration at the game against the Warriors. Following this, he received a warning. Despite that, he made the gesture again at the game against the Miami Heat.

“Morant was previously warned by the league office that this gesture could be interpreted in a negative light,” the league told NBC News. The NBA fined Morant $75,000. Well, after this drama, Morant introduced a new celebration gesture, which is the “grenade” one. How? He explained it.

“I’m gonna take my words, I’m gonna throw them out there, and I’mma block out the noise. That’s my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it, and I’ll find another one,” he told ESPN. The gesture is simple with Morant mimicking pulling the pin out of a grenade with his teeth,and then he throws it at the crowd and then covers his ears.

Yes, 51-point blowouts demand urgency—but humility can forge a comeback. Carmelo Anthony’s point rings true: a self-deprecating laugh can diffuse shame if it fuels refocus. Yet Stephen A. reminds us that leaders set the tone: in front of 15,000, the bench belongs to the team’s emotional heartbeat. The real takeaway? Ja Morant’s next bench appearance must merge Melo’s laughter-as-catharsis with a visible vow to remake Memphis.