Anthony Davis, Ja Morant Have Tense Exchange in Mavericks-Grizzlies Play-In Game

Tension is heating up with a spot in the postseason on the line.

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

With the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs on the line, the intensity is up in the Dallas Mavericks-Memphis Grizzlies play-in tournament matchup.

During the first quarter of the game, Mavericks forward Anthony Davis and Grizzlies guard Ja Morant engaged in a heated exchange.

Davis, with the basketball in hand, was seen telling Morant, "I'll guard you though."

Morant retorted, "Yeah come on!"

As Morant repeated "come on" back, Davis continued, "You know I'm right here. You know I ain't going nowhere. You know I ain't going nowhere. You know that."

"I'll guard you though."

"Yeah come on!"

This exchange between AD and Ja Morant 🗣️🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/iA2e6Xjr7u

— ESPN (@espn) April 19, 2025

An official took the basketball and tapped Davis during the exchange, appearing to try to separate the two stars.

Morant and Davis both led their teams in scoring during the first quarter of the game. Morant scored 12 points with three rebounds and three assists, including an incredible put-back basket, while Davis put up eight points, two rebounds, and one assist. Overall, Morant and the Grizzlies have been better through one quarter, setting the tone with a 39-24 lead.

JA MORANT FLEW FOR THE PUTBACK 💥 pic.twitter.com/PBnoYa5zB1

— ESPN (@espn) April 19, 2025

The winner of the game will get to advance to the postseason, and take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. That series will begin on Sunday.

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