In the 114-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons, Morant scored 18 points and recorded 10 assists in his first game back after facing disciplinary action for his behavior during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. In that Lakers game, Morant only managed eight points, seven assists, and shot 3-of-14 from the field. The suspension followed first-year coach Tuomas Iisalo’s concerns about Morant’s leadership and effort during the game, as he deemed Morant’s demeanor to be inappropriate and dismissive.
When Morant was asked if he still felt joy while playing basketball, he bluntly responded with ‘No’ and appeared irritated by the question. When inquiries about the organization were made, Morant had little to say.
‘Obviously, they can’t go and tell y’all something I ain’t said,’ Morant said to reporters. ‘If I didn’t have a good relationship with them, I wouldn’t talk to them at all.’