In the playoffs the Grizzlies were upset by the seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, losing in six games, becoming the sixth 2-seed team to lose a playoff series against a 7-seed, following the Dallas Mavericks in 1987, the Utah Jazz in 1989, the San Antonio Spurs in 1991, the Miami Heat in 1998, and the Dallas Mavericks again in 2010.
Particularly scrutinized was Dillon Brooks, who was amongst the league leaders for most technical and flagrant fouls and, throughout the season, became known for cheap shots on opposing players and even a cameraman, leading to multiple fines and one-game suspensions.
Ja Morant was also under much scrutiny for his and his entourage's outside conduct, with his entourage getting into a notably aggressive confrontation with the Indiana Pacers after a game, his father getting into repeated sideline confrontations, and Morant flashing a gun on Instagram Live which led him to get suspended for eight games near the end of the regular season.
Following their loss to the Lakers, the team, particularly Morant and Brooks, was roundly mocked on social media due to their conduct throughout the season and postseason.
After the season, Brooks was acquired by the Houston Rockets in a sign-and-trade agreement after being told he would "not be brought back under any circumstances" to the Grizzlies.