The Memphis Grizzlies were already making waves on the court in their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but one unforgettable moment off the playbook came courtesy of an unlikely source: Ja Morant’s reaction to Rudy Gobert’s infamous airball free throw.
The comedic moment unfolded in the second quarter, as the Timberwolves center, known more for his dominant defense than his shooting, stepped to the line for a free throw. Gobert, who has long been criticized for his lack of scoring consistency, took his position with the usual intensity. However, as the ball left his hands, it was clear that something had gone very wrong. The shot not only missed the rim, but it also sailed far wide of the backboard, leaving the ball to land somewhere in the stands.
The crowd gasped at the unexpected sight, but it was Morant’s reaction that truly stole the show. As Gobert’s airball went sailing, Morant, sitting on the Grizzlies’ bench, burst into uncontrollable laughter. His infectious chuckles echoed through the arena, with some even suggesting it was the most entertaining part of the game.
“Ja just couldn’t hold it in,” one Grizzlies player, who preferred to remain anonymous, said after the game. “It was just a funny moment. We know Gobert isn’t known for his shooting, but when you miss that badly, it’s hard not to laugh.”
The reaction quickly went viral on social media, with fans flocking to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share the moment. Memes of Morant’s exaggerated laughter spread like wildfire, and many fans pointed out that Morant’s laughter might have been just the kind of mood lifter the Grizzlies needed to push through a tough game.
Even Gobert himself couldn’t help but chuckle at the moment after the game. When asked about his airball, he took it in stride: “It happens. I’m just glad Ja found it funny. If I can make him laugh, I’m doing something right.”
Despite the lighthearted moment, the game itself was a competitive one, with both teams battling back and forth. The Timberwolves ultimately came out on top, securing a 112-106 victory. Morant finished with 27 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, but it was his ability to keep the team’s morale high—laughing through the game’s toughest moments—that might have been just as important.
For Gobert, the missed free throw wasn’t the only blemish on his night, but his defensive presence was still felt throughout the game, finishing with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Even though his free-throw shooting remains a weak point, it was clear that his team valued his efforts elsewhere on the floor.
In the aftermath, many fans online speculated that Morant’s infectious energy could be a key ingredient for the Grizzlies’ success moving forward. As for Gobert, he’ll likely be a little more self-aware the next time he steps to the line—but, then again, he may just have to brace himself for more friendly laughter from one of the NBA’s most charismatic stars.
For now, though, it’s safe to say that Ja Morant has won the unofficial award for the most entertaining bench reaction of the season. The Grizzlies may not have won the game, but they certainly took home the highlight of the night.
