Ja Morant Explains What Went Wrong for Grizzlies After Playoff Exit

• Ja Morant is blaming his off-court issues for the Memphis Grizzlies'an capitulation in the playoffs
• Morant served an eight-game suspension for flashing a gun in an Instagram Live video
• The Grizzlies have also had injuries and incidents from Dillon Brooks that have distracted the team

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are out of the NBA playoffs.

The Grizzlies' embarrassing Game 6 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers was the final nail in the coffin of a turbulent season plagued by off and on-court issues.

They lost Game 6 125-85 in the most lopsided postseason loss in franchise history. Morant finished with 10 points on 3-of-16 shooting. One can point to injuries to some of their key players as the reason for their early exit.

However, Morant and Dillon Brooks have had issues this season that may have affected their season.

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Morant, for instance, served an eight-game suspension in the regular season for flaunting a gun in an Instagram Live video. The 23-year-old was reportedly involved in other incidents involving a gun.

Meanwhile, Brooks has been involved in several on-court incidents which have resulted in suspensions.

Morant takes accountability

After the Game 6 defeat, Morant said his off-court issues were a distraction to the team.

"I feel like mine is more off the court and on the court -- just being disciplined both sides," Morant said. "Off the court, making better decisions. On the court, being locked in even more. Being a leader of this team, it pretty much starts with me. So however I attack any situation, I know my guys will follow. I've just got to be better in that area," via ESPN.

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Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said their exit was a wake-up call.

"In my opinion, this is probably that moment in time that's going to be the ultimate wake-up call...there are things that we've got to control and just embrace it together." 

Major changes are set to happen in Memphis. Brooks is a free agent, and given his incidents, it wouldn't be surprising if he was let go.

Still, they have a bright future amid their on and off-court issues. Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr are under contract for a long time, per the Athletic.

Ja Morant defends Brooks

Sports Brief earlier reported on Morant defending his Grizzlies teammate Brooks after he was ejected from Game 3 of the playoffs.

The Memphis star said that when looking at the play, Brooks had been reaching for the ball in an attempt to get the crossover.

The Grizzlies scored just 9 points in the first quarter as their second-half comeback fell short, although Morant got 45 points.