Author: Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown is a University of Memphis graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies. Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Sharon is one of the Memphis Grizzlies beat writers for the Memphis Flyer. She has created a niche in the industry by co-founding All Heart in Hoop City — a unique community of women sportswriters.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall Short Against Suns

Jaren Jackson, Jr. against Kevin Durant on December 2, 2023 as the Grizzlies battled the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jaren Jackson Jr. played just 14 minutes and was benched due to foul trouble on Friday night in the Mavericks victory. He made amends by scoring a season-high 37 points in Saturday’s 116-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns. 

Jackson Jr. scored a game and season-high for Memphis on 13-of-21 shooting while adding seven rebounds, three steals, an assist, and a block. He was 6-of-6 from the field at the half. He has now scored in double figures in all but three games this season.

“Angles — it was all angles,” Jackson Jr. described what was working for him against the Suns. “That was all that was working. Just figuring out how to score tonight; just figuring it out and just driving. That is all I had going for me.” 

Although his offensive output has been off this season, the one positive aspect of his offense has been Jackson Jr.’s ability to get to the free-throw line. He is getting to the line for 6.1 attempts per game so far this season and has become one of the league’s best at drawing fouls. 

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins praised Jackson Jr. for his efforts against Phoenix. “I mean, this was a great game for him to bounce back from the other night, Jenkins said. 

“But I’m really impressed with him just playing with force, physicality, and getting angles on guys one-on-one. Touch, finishing ability — it’s always been there.”

Jenkins continued: “And then, obviously, he unleashed it tonight. He knocked down threes, so [with] that inside-outside game that he’s capable of — stepping up to the free throw line, he had 10 free throws tonight, which is really impressive.” 

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was not pleased, however, with how things got away in the second half. He said, “They started scoring a little bit. Sometimes, good teams just keep going. We have to figure out a way to cut that off — we did not. They just got a big lead late, and that was kind of the problem.”

Desmond Bane finished with 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, five assists, and three rebounds for Memphis, even though he was limited in the first half due to foul trouble. Bane is averaging a career-best 23.8 points per game this season.

Vince Williams Jr. added 12 points and six rebounds in 30 minutes of action as a reserve. Williams Jr. nearly recorded his first double-double in a win against Dallas on Friday night, tallying 15 points (matching his career high) and a career-best nine rebounds.

For the Suns, Devin Booker (34) and Kevin Durant (27) combined to score 61, taking over the game for good in the second half. Durant said after the game, “That team over there (Memphis), they play extremely hard. They muddy up the game a lot. So from just playing them over the years, we knew it was going to be a back-and-forth game in the first half.”

He concluded, “Our defense was solid the whole game, and we were able to get out into transition and get some baskets to open the game up.”

The Suns used the free throw line to their advantage, getting to the line 19 more times than Memphis, finishing 35-for-43 while the Grizzlies finished 22-for-24 from the line. 

The Magic Number is Six

There are six more games until Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant is scheduled to return from his 25-game league suspension. 

Up Next

Memphis will head to Detroit to take on the 0-17 Detroit Pistons at 6 p.m. CT at Little Caesars on Wednesday, December 6.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Finally, the Grizzlies Win at FedExForum

Grizzlies entered the night at 3-13 on the season and 0-8 at home. The last time Memphis won a regular season game at home was on April 4, 2023 against the Portland Trail Blazers, 119-109. Entering the night, the Grizzlies were the only team in the association without a home win this season.

That all changed on Wednesday night, as Memphis secured its first home win of the season 105-91. The Jazz fell to 1-8 on the road, while the Grizzlies are 1-8 at home. 

The Grizzlies grabbed a season-high 51 rebounds and blocked a season-high 10 shots as Memphis won by their biggest margin this season.

Memphis scored a season-high 58 points in the paint and outscored Utah 23-9 in fast break points. 

Derrick Rose and David Roddy were inserted into the starting lineup for their first starts of the season. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. led all scorers with 20 points, six rebounds, six blocks and +/- of 14. “The streamers, the ‘Grizz Win’ sign, not hearing that one song that comes on after a loss,” said Jackson Jr. on the first home win. “The [Kelsey Wright Johnson] interview, the TV interviews, and I’m not mad. We’ve been here before though, during all the streaks. It makes you appreciate this win, but there’s totally more to do, and there’s more coming for sure.”

Jackson Jr.’s contributions were evident on both ends of the court on Wednesday night. 

“It’s great,” Desmond Bane on earning the first home win. “Obviously, since I’ve been here, we’ve been great here, play great basketball here at home. It’s a different sense of pride and urgency when you’re playing on your home floor. It’s great to be able to deliver that win to fans and the city.” 

Bane finished with 17 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and a team-high three steals. 

Bane also shared his thoughts on defense and consistency. “It was just our defense, you know,” said Bane. “Attention to detail, especially on the defensive and really fueled our offense. I think we probably had the most points we’ve had in transition all year tonight. Really kicking the ball ahead and being able to get out and run, and that way everybody’s involved – Feeling good. Everybody’s touching the ball and having an impact on winning.” 

Rose tallied 14 points, nine assists, four rebounds with +/- of 20. “He’s been huge – not only his play on the court, but what he brings to this team from a veteran standpoint and poise,” said Bane on Rose’s contributions. “It’s great to have him, especially finding the starting lineup … not only had 14 points, but nine assists. Really getting guys involved. Only one turnover. Terrific game.”

The former league MVP was a calming presence the team needed to get over the hump. 

Roddy chipped in 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting with a career high in three-pointers (5) and six rebounds. 

Jackson Jr. spoke about Roddy after the game, saying “He has great self-talk. He’s very hard on himself and he knows himself. He knows the game really well, and he’s really smart. He treats every game the same way. It’s honestly about how the game goes, and he was hot. I’m glad because he wasn’t shooting with any hesitation, that’s what we teach around here. He’s balling, so I love to see that.

Jackson Jr. continued, “I always tell [David] Roddy that he’s one of my favorite players. I see more than everybody else just because of the work ethic and how he approaches everything. Nothing is too big of a challenge for him, and nothing’s ever accomplished to him. He’s that type of guy, so that’s how he’s always gonna play.”

Roddy earned the first walk-off interview at home this season.

Off the bench, Ziaire Williams had his best output of the season with 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals. 

Two-way player Vince Williams, Jr. and 10-day signee Jaylen Nowell presence off the bench on both ends of the floor gave the Grizzlies the edge they needed. 

Strictly from the Fans

The crowd was happy to get that home win just like the team. 

Kandi Horton became a season ticket holder this year but has always tried to make the majority of the games since the team has been in Memphis. She was super excited for the first home win. 

“The team brought energy and so the crowd was able to feed off of them and vice versa,” Horton explained. It was nice to see Grizzlies basketball being played.”

Desmond Spears has supported the Grizzlies since the move to Memphis. About the win, he said, “Playing the right lineups at the right time, playing defense and not leaving 3-point shooters wide open, playing non-telegraphed basketball offensively and hitting open slots tend to make winning a little more realistic.”

Ja Morant Returns Soon

There are eight games left for Morant to return from the 25-game league suspension. As he left the podium, Jackson Jr. emphatically said, “There’s a man at home licking his chops.”

Up Next 

The Grizzlies look to gain momentum with back to back road games in Dallas and Phoenix on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Another Grizzlies Comeback Victory in San Antonio

Jaren Jackson, Jr. against the San Antonio Spurs on November 18, 2023 (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

On Saturday night, the depleted Memphis Grizzlies erased a 19-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs, 120-108. 

It was reminiscent of last season, when the Grizzlies completed a 29-point comeback as they defeated the Spurs, 126-120, in overtime.

Memphis dominated the final quarter by outscoring the Spurs 33-14 and held San Antonio to 28.6 percent shooting.

The Grizzlies have now defeated San Antonio 11 consecutive times. This is Memphis’ longest active run of victories against a single opponent, and their longest ever against the Spurs.

Despite only playing seven minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 27 points, five rebounds, and 11-of-12 shooting from the charity stripe. For the season, the 24-year-old is averaging 20 points, six rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks. 

Desmond Bane ended with 26 points, five rebounds, and four assists while going 8-of-15 from the field. Bane is averaging 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals.

Bismack Biyombo put up 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Santi Aldama chipped in 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

Ziaire Williams ended with 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. 

Derrick Rose returned to the lineup after a nine-game absence with swift moves that led to the comeback. As a reserve, Rose contributed nine points. 

Injuries

Memphis has a long list of injuries, and only four players from the main roster have been available for all 12 games: Jackson, Bane, David Roddy, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. 

Marcus Smart would have been in that number, but he suffered a foot injury in the 134-107 thrashing by the Lakers on Tuesday night. 

Smart had trouble putting weight on his left ankle after landing awkwardly on Austin Reaves’ foot in the first quarter of the game in Los Angeles. He had to be helped off the court and did not return to the game. Smart appeared on the Grizzlies bench in a walking boot. 

The Grizzlies announced on Saturday that Smart had a left foot sprain and is expected to return within 3-5 weeks. 

Up Next 

No rest for the Grizzlies, as they will host the hot Boston Celtics Sunday inside FedExForum at 7 p.m. 

Return of 12

After tonight’s game the Celtics, it will be 12 more games before Ja Morant is eligible to return from a 25-game league suspension.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Another Grizzlies Comeback Falls Short

Jaren Jackson, Jr. goes up for a layup against the Utah Jazz on Friday, November 10, 2023 inside FedExForum. (Photo credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies finished last season with one of the league’s best  home records, 35-6, good enough for second-best in the NBA. It was well-known that FedExForum was a tough place to win. 

Those days are long gone, as Memphis is 0-5 at home this season — and 1-8 overall — after taking a gut punch from the Utah Jazz, 127-121 on Friday night.

Tensions were high, as Jaren Jackson, Jr. was ejected for the first time since he’s been playing basketball. 

“I went to the basket a couple of times and felt a way, so I spoke my mind a little bit,” Jackson explained after the game. “When you speak your mind a little bit, sometimes that happens. Coach had my back off rip (from the get-go).”

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year went on to say, “When that happens, you find yourself leaving early. I definitely don’t like that. They need me out there. I just left them out there to dry and I don’t feel good about that. I’m not going to feel good about this. That’s on me, and I have to own that.”

Even though Jackson felt like he let his teammates down, the ejection galvanized his teammates — and fans in the arena. 

After being down by 21 points, the Grizzlies mounted a furious comeback and tied the game in the middle of the fourth quarter. In the end, they were unable to overcome the deficit, despite the effort. 

Jacob Gilyard, who made his first NBA start against the Jazz said, “We wanted to come out in the third quarter and have a little spark, but that didn’t really happen until Jaren (Jackson, Jr.) got ejected. We started getting riled up and got some defensive stops which allowed us to run on offense.”  Gilyard finished the game with 14 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. 

Desmond Bane led Memphis with a game-high 37 points, plus eight assists, and four rebounds. Bane on Jackson’s ejection: “We’ve been talking about it for a while now, finding our edge and finding our juice, and regardless of the play, [Jackson Jr.] reacted. He got the technical foul. But that’s the energy that we need. Just that care factor from coach, from him, from the whole entire team. You know, it’s one through 15. Everybody’s invested in the game, and that’s the energy that we need. The energy that we need from the beginning of the game.”

Bismack Biyombo has been excellent for the Grizzlies. He finished the game with 15 points and 15 rebounds and is a calming presence in the locker room. 

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins was livid after the game and that’s an understatement. He took one question and went on an epic rant about the officiating crew. 

The Jazz had 29 free-throw attempts, while Memphis only had 13. Before Jackson was tossed, the Grizzlies only had seven attempts.

When asked about the play calling, Jenkins went scorched earth. “Saddle up,” he said. “One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen. Record it. I’m fine with it. Fucking atrocious. Jaren Jackson [Jr.] plays 23 minutes and is in the paint all night. He’s one of the most professional players in this league and gets a double technical foul, and the excuse that I get is that he’s charging at an official.” 

Jenkins continued, “It’s called de-escalation. Twenty-nine free throws to 13, and I’m not that coach. You go back in history; I’ve done this one other time. Our team is competing their asses off, and this is what happens? The interactions right now with the officials — complete disrespect. I know what’s coming. It’s unbelievable, the looks on the faces when I’m trying to engage in conversation to defend our guys that are busting their tail right now. Busting their tail, and [Jackson Jr.] is one of the most professional guys, and if you go watch the play two possessions in a row, he gets hacked underneath the basket, zero free throw attempts. I’m not trying to put a name on a jersey, this guy should earn these fouls and all that stuff. Watch the game.” 

Jenkins went on to say, “Twenty-nine free throws to basically like seven, and then at the end of the game, a few more added. I don’t understand it, when guys are competing their tails off. We’ve got stuff we can clean up. Sometimes we’re grabbing, we’re holding… in the heat of the battle, when conversations are trying to be had, notice is trying to be made on things that are happening, and there’s not the enforcement of it. It blows my mind. What are we doing here? What are we doing? Our guys are competing their tails off. We have to play better. We have to coach better. We have to play better, but I don’t get tonight, whatsoever.” 

Jenkins concluded the post-game presser: “I’m going to go back to the interactions. Stern, nothing, stonewall, ignoring. And then you wonder why our guys are trying to compete. I don’t get it. I look forward to watching the tape. Getting responses to when I send clips in, all that stuff to see what should’ve happened. And you wonder why. I haven’t done this most of my career, all that stuff, but I got to defend my guys when they’re competing their tail off and we’re not trying to lose our heads. We’re trying to go out and win basketball games and try to play better. It’s as simple as that. We’re trying to play better. There’s a lot of better that has to go around. A lot of better that has got to go around. Look at the numbers. Look at the clips. Thank you. I’d love to talk to you guys more, but with all due respect, I’ll leave it at that. Thank you.”

“I appreciate that 100 percent,” Jackson said of Jenkins’ rant. “To get up there and do that publicly is different than doing it privately. It means a little bit more. I can’t thank him enough, and I’ll be repaying him by just saying that I got his back as well for anything that’s thrown at him or whatever. We have his back in this locker room. I got his back. I love Coach. That’s the type of guy he is.”

Make no mistake about it, Jenkins is going to get a hefty fine by the league. Maybe this is the starting point of turning the season around. 

Memphis will embark on a two-game road trip to Los Angeles to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday and the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Finally a Win for the Grizzlies!

With 8:13 left in the fourth period, the Memphis Grizzlies were down 12 points to the Portland Blazers, 98-86. The Grizzlies, mired in a season-opening six-game losing streak, didn’t give up. When it mattered most, their best players closed it out for them. 

Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson, Jr. went to work offensively while the defense shut the water off for the Blazers. 

Memphis took the lead for good with 3:10 left in the final frame to secure its first win of the season 112-100. The Grizzlies closed out Portland on a 26-2 run. 

Bane’s 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists led the way as Memphis snapped its 0-6 skid. The TCU alum scored 30+ for the 4th time in 7 games. Through seven games, Bane is averaging 26.6 points, five rebounds and four assists per game. 

“Every night we’re laying it all on the line,” Bane told Bally Sports sideline reporter Rob Fischer after the game. “I’m proud of these guys — the way that we stuck together in the locker room and stayed positive through it all.”

“Phenomenal — I think he’s had a really good stretch here,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins about Bane. “The last week or so, [he’s] just taking over games. He and I’ve talked about it; so it’s no surprise that everyone’s going to throw the defensive gameplan at him, trying to take him away, be physical with him.”

Jenkins continued, “We need him to initiate the offense at times, play off the ball, and he’s just doing a great job adapting to what defenses are throwing at him. Just making an impact on both sides. And when there was slippage from the team, you know, I challenge the team, but I challenged him in particular to step up on the defensive side and he did a phenomenal job in the fourth quarter, especially late in the game when it came to execution time.” 

Jackson, Jr. added 27 points and seven rebounds. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 21.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game for the season. 

Luke Kennard finished with 15 points and five rebounds as a reserve. Kennard hit 4-of-6 from the three-point line and the Grizzlies bench stepped up big for 31 combined points. 

Marcus Smart chipped in 10 points, five assists, and two steals while new Grizzly Bismack Biyombo ended with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in just his second game in Beale Street Blue. 

“It’s great,” Jenkins said about the first win of the season. Got to celebrate — you know how hard it is to win in this league. We’re going to enjoy this one for sure. It’s it’s been a difficult first couple of weeks. “Our guys are resilient; they respond. We’ve been competitive every single night sometimes it hasn’t gone our way.”

Tid-bits

Ja Morant has 18 games to go until he can return from his 25-game suspension. 

Up Next

Memphis will head back to Memphis to host the Miami Heat on Wednesday, November 8, at 7pm CT at FedExForum. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

Tough Loss but Progress for the Grizzlies

Nikola Jokic and Jaren Jackson, Jr. in position for tip-off on Friday, October 27, 2023 inside FedExForum (photo by: Sharon Brown)

For the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday night was full of high points despite losing to the Denver Nuggets (108–104).  Memphis displayed vast improvements in shooting and rebounding from their season-opening loss to the Pelicans. The Grizzlies edged Denver in rebounding 48-39. 

After being held to just two fast-break points in the season opener against New Orleans, the Grizzlies scored 22 against Denver.  And Memphis’ aggressive defense on reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic resulted in nine turnovers for the Nuggets. Jokic finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. 

The Grizzlies, fueled by Jaren Jackson, Jr. used a collective effort to stay within striking distance. After a disappointing performance in the season opener, Jackson had a bounce-back game, leading the Grizzlies with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has eight blocks in two games, tying him for the league lead with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns at 4.0 per game.

“They’re great – great new voices, great leaders,” Jackson on having Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose as teammates. “They have a lot of experience, a lot of things to teach us. They’re here to win and to play hard every night. It’s great to have them around and in the locker room. They’re talented as hell.”

Marcus Smart and Xavier Tillman on Friday, October 27, 2023 against the Denver Nuggets (photo by Sharon Brown)

Smart also gave the Grizzlies a spark. He chipped in 20 points, five assists, and a team-high five steals.  “It’s a challenge, but it’s a great one,” Smart said about adjusting to his new teammates. “It’s different from Boston. You got guys that do different things. It’s just been fun for me to try to figure out everybody’s tendencies, where they like the ball, things that they like to do and that they do very well.”

Rose gave the Grizzlies a much needed boost off the bench, adding 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. He was crucial in a 4th period that saw the Grizzlies have multiple chances to win the game.

After the game he said, “It’s a learning experience — I haven’t played in a year. When I was in New York basically I was a vet trying to be vocal but coming here they’re getting me the opportunity to play and I’m grateful for that.”

Rose continued, as he addressed the media in front of his locker, “I’m just trying to find my groove and trying not to shoot that many shots and get a feel for the game. I understand I have great offensive weapons with me so there’s no need for it. I’m just trying to do anything to win. Thank God I came to a winning team.”

Xavier Tillman, Sr. continued with his solid play as the starting center while Steven Adams is sidelined for the season. Tillman finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. 

“Personally, my goal is to win games, so that’s all I’m worried about,” Tillman said after the loss. “As far as my individual play, my confidence, it comes from my teammates. When we’re out there they’re like, ‘Yo, we believe in you.’ And each and every game, I’ve tried to truly, truly hone in on that, truly hone in on the work that I put in and the trust factor my teammates and the coaches have in me, and just let it ride.”

Memphis is now 0-2 on the new season but taking the defending champs to the distance is something they can build upon. The Grizzlies will have a chance to show that progress tonight as they will face former grizzly Tyus Jones and the Washington Wizards at Capitol One Arena at 6 p.m. CT. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

‘Chemistry is Everything’

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

The Memphis Grizzlies opened their season with a 111-104 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans, primarily due to being beaten on the boards and a poor shooting performance.

Season openers have traditionally been like kryptonite for the Beale Street bullies — and rebounding is their Achilles heel right now. The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant (league suspension), Steven Adams (season-ending knee surgery), Brandon Clarke (Achilles tendon repair), and Santi Aldama (ankle sprain). 

It wasn’t all bad. Opening night saw the return of favorite sons, Tony Allen and Zach Randolph. Accompanied by The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Allen and Randolph introduced the starting lineup for the young cubs. 

Newly signed Derrick Rose, who played college ball at the University of Memphis, also made his return to the Grindhouse with the loudest pop of the night. 

Rose contributed eight points and three assists in 15 minutes as a reserve. 

It was a frustrating night. Every time an attack was mounted by the Grizzlies, the Pelicans countered. It could to be a long season without Adams on the boards. 

Three-point shooting hurt the Grizzlies (27.9%) while it was solid for New Orleans (43.8%). 

After the game, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said, “Obviously, we’re going to feel out our lineups and stuff, but I’m very confident this group can get going once we get our chemistry up and running”

Desmond Bane had an All-star performance, leading the way with 31 points, five rebounds, and five assists. “Chemistry is everything and building that takes time,” said the TCU alum on the different rotations.

Xavier Tillman, Sr. held his own against the Pelicans front line. He secured his first double double of the season with 17 points, 12 rebounds, plus four assists, and three steals.

Newcomer Marcus Smart added 17 points, three assists, and two steals. After the loss, Smart said, “It definitely wasn’t the result we wanted, but I’ve never seen a championship won in the first game. We have 81 games left.”

Smart also chimed in about building chemistry: “For us and for me personally, it’s important to continue to find these guys and continue to build confidence in my guys. We had a lot of shots there that just didn’t go in for us, both in the paint and outside the paint. And for me, we have a bunch of young guys who continue working, and every day I’m in the gym and seeing them work, I have to continue to find them and give them the confidence that they need to keep going because we’re going to need everybody.”

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson, Jr., had a poor shooting night, going 2 of 9 from the field, but made up for it with dogged defense. blocking five shots, and doing the little things down low defensively; fighting for position against Jonas Valanciunas and Zion Williamson is a tall task. Jackson finished with eight points and five rebounds.

Except for David Roddy (9 points) and Rose, the bench hardly contributed. There are still things to figure out with new teammates and new lineups this season. As Smart said, no championship is won in the first game. 

Up Next:

The reigning NBA Champions, Denver Nuggets come to town Friday night, with an early 6 pm tip-off at FedExForum. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Déjà Vu for Ja Morant

Ja Morant (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

On Mother’s Day, we woke up to the news that Ja Morant was playing with a gun on Instagram Live. This was not the incident that happened in March. It was something new. 

Just over two months after being suspended for similar behavior, the Memphis Grizzlies guard was suspended from team activities on Sunday for displaying a handgun on IG Live once again.

Hasn’t he learned a lesson? We all pondered. Why is he fascinated with displaying firearms? He served an 8-game suspension for the first incident and took steps to curtail that behavior. 

His ill-advised actions have made him the topic of conversation throughout the world. His destructive and immature behaviors sparked discussions about a wide range of social issues.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was somber speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Tuesday night about Morant. Silver was disappointed because he took Morant’s word that he understood the severity of his actions and was contrite. 

Silver said he and Morant had talked “directly about the consequences” after the March incident that showed Morant at a Denver-area nightclub briefly holding up a gun in a video that was recorded and shared on various social media platforms. 

“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw that video this weekend,” Silver told Andrews. “Now, we’re in the process of investigating it, and we’ll figure out exactly what happened as best we can. Again, the video’s a bit grainy and all that, but I’m assuming the worst. But we’ll figure out exactly what happened there.”

The entire interview can be watched here: 

“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me,” the 23-year-old said in a statement Tuesday night shortly after Silver’s interview. “This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”

Yes, it is disappointing, and the stakes are high. It not only affects Morant but his family, his friends, his teammates, the Grizzlies organization, and the NBA too. He has everything to lose.

But was he ready for the spotlight that he has been given? Is the pressure too much for him?

Morant lost about $668,000 in compensation during his first ban, and since he didn’t make an All-NBA team, he lost $39 million.

Morant sought counseling after his incident in March because he believed his “stress level had been becoming a problem” before the nightclub incident. “I had considered [seeking help], but I was back and forth,” he said. “I was pretty much afraid to leave the team. I felt that it was needed, and it helped me out a lot.”

He says it’s an ongoing process. Two months ago he talked about his off the court behavior, and we are at a crossroads again. He has work to do. 

Morant has been reckless, true enough, and he has so many things to work on. But the one thing that is most concerning is that he keeps putting the gun to his head on both videos. Why? Only Morant can answer that question. 

We are a country that loves guns. Tennessee is an open carry state; it is legal to carry a weapon without a permit as of July 1, 2021. Tennesseans who have been convicted of driving under the influence, domestic violence, or stalking are not eligible. Neither are felons or individuals who have been committed by the court to a mental institution.

Morant can legally be in possession of a firearm. If it’s legal, why are people so mad about it? Martenzie Johnson eloquently wrote, “Morant is a representation of this country’s infatuation with guns, but because of his celebrity … and recklessness … and defiance … and skin color, he’s not the visual representation of gun ownership that this country seeks out. He’s not the All-American white boy who likes to hunt or protect his family or whatever other excuse there is to own weapons in this country. He’s viewed as just another ghetto boy from the inner city who brings back memories of the crime-ridden 1980s and 1990s.”

He is viewed as a criminal who has little kids looking up to him and that will somehow make them criminals. That is the optics. Memphis is riddled with gun violence. We see it daily on the news, EVERY DAY! Morant has accountability, but is this viewed differently than when we see assault rifles displayed in photos or videos or carried in your local Wal-Mart? What’s the difference? This is not excusing Morant’s behavior, we just want to know why one is accepted and the other is not. 

The NBA is going to protect its brand, and Morant will serve another suspension again. The question is how long. He will be judged by his past incidents, and the suspension may be severe due to conduct detrimental to the NBA, and for lying to Adam Silver’s face. He may be punished harshly for hypothetical violence instead of actual violence. Miles Bridges was suspended for 30 games without pay (with 20 already served even though he wasn’t signed to an NBA team last season) after he pleaded no contest to felony domestic violence. Bridges’ incident was far worse than Morant’s however, the Grizzlies guard might be made an example of. 

We can be all disappointed in Morant’s behavior but still show him some grace. We don’t know when we will need such grace. It’s all up to him to take care of his well-being. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Lakers Win Game 4; Put Grizzlies On the Brink of Elimination

Desmond Bane dribbling in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 24, 2023 (Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Although they entered the season as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies find themselves down 3-1 to the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Lakers in their first round matchup. That puts Memphis on the brink of elimination, after losing to the Lakers in OT, 117-111, on Monday night.

After falling behind by as many as 15 points in the first half, the Grizzlies rallied to take a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers came back and tied the game with 0.8 seconds remaining with a driving layup from LeBron James. The Grizzlies were outscored by six in the extra period, and that was the ballgame.

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 36 points and seven rebounds. Jaren Jackson, Jr. ended with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots. 

Ja Morant had 19 points and seven assists. Morant and Dillon Brooks declined to speak with the media after the disappointing loss. 

Shy’s Point of View 

A one game at a time. It is difficult to overcome a 3-1 deficit when facing the a legendary franchise led by one of the best players in NBA history. It will be challenging, but not impossible, to make up the difference. But there is still basketball to be played.

Bane is confident. After the loss he said, “We would have liked to get that one, but I’m feeling good. We get a chance to go back home. We had the best record at home this season — go protect the home floor. We got two opportunities there. And in order to win a series, you’re gonna have to win one game on the road. So when we come back here for Game 6, we’ll come with the right edge, right mentality and steal one on the road and see what happens in Game 7.” 

To be honest, I have no idea. The Grizzlies were in fact competitive in Game 4. At the end, in overtime, they were unable to execute in key moments that cost them the game. It has been clear in this series that the Lakers have taken advantage of that lack of execution. 

The squad has faced a lot of challenges recently, and this loss is only the latest blow. Do they have what it takes to band together and upset a King who seems determined to retain his dominance? We will see how they perform Wednesday night in Game 5 at 6:30pm CT at FedExForum — maybe for the last time in this unforgettable season. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

Tillman, Jackson Help Grizzlies Even Series, 1-1

Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Dillon Brooks in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on March 19, 2023 (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

After losing Game 1 at home to the Lakers on Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies had something to prove. And since Ja Morant’s availability for Wednesday night’s Game 2 was in doubt, many prematurely declared the series over. The Grizzlies were written off by some pundits and fans. 

Morant had been a game-time decision due to a right hand injury re-aggravated in Game 1; however, it was announced an hour before tip-off that he was out. Despite it all, the Grizzlies went on to beat the Lakers, 103-93, to even the best-of-seven series, 1-1.

X Gave It to Them 

Xavier Tillman, Sr. had himself a game on Wednesday night. He led his team to victory by dropping a career-high 22 points and grabbed a season-high 13 boards off of 10-of-13 shooting.

“I think it’s a true sign of a winner,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said of Tillman. “It’s a true sign of a pro, and that’s why we love X, a guy who always stays ready. He wants to impact winning in whatever his role is going to be.”

“[He] comes out in the second half of the regular season and makes a tremendous impact. Does it tonight in the biggest game of the season for us. True testament to him for keeping his body ready, his mind ready. For him, it’s just, ‘Let me get ready for the next challenge, the next day.’”

Jenkins added, “Obviously, this is a big win for us and a great performance by him and other guys as well. No highs, no lows. We just have to keep focusing ahead, and that’s what he’s been a prime example of: a guy, when he’s played well, when he’s gotten his opportunities, he’s just focused on the next challenge ahead.”

“I’m just trying to assert myself, watch the film,” Tillman said after his breakout performance. “The first game, I didn’t really assert myself. I was kind of going through the motions. Coach had mentioned it in the couple meetings we had about the urgency that we need to play with. I just felt like I need to turn that up and turn on my energy level and be more assertive and more aggressive early on.”

Tillman is the epitome of the next-man-up mentality. Due to injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, Tillman’s playing time has increased. 

Tillman, who has had stints in the Summer League, the G League, and several DNPs, has now come full circle. Right now, he’s on the biggest stage after leading his team to a playoff victory over LeBron James and the Lakers. 

“You couldn’t write this, bro — it’s humbling, it’s humbling,” Tillman said with a laugh when asked about his journey this season. “It lets me know that no matter what I’m going through, it will always pass. I just saw a video about it yesterday. Life is like a wave. Like, you’re on your wave feeling good, and then it might crash. You might be down for a little bit, waiting for your next wave to come, but it’ll come. That’s just how life works. As long as you keep working and keep trusting, everything that you’ve been putting in, it will come to fruition, and it is crazy though. I’ll tell you that.”

Observers often say he’s undersized against other bigs, but the Michigan State alum is confident in his abilities. He said, “It’s probably my ability to rebound with the best of them. I accredit that to my God-given length. I got a 7’2” wing-span. Shoutout to my mom and my dad. I got a 7’2” wing-span. I know how to use my body before the ball hits the rim, so I have an advantage to get offensive or defensive rebounds. That’s probably what they mean about me playing big, it’s just me being able to rebound with the best of them.”

They call him Jitty

John Konchar didn’t see the floor in Game 1 but came up huge for his team defensively in Game 2. People will be talking about his block against Anthony Davis for years to come. 

Luke Kennard said the dunk was insane. “Jitty [Konchar] is a guy who is selfless and he will do whatever it takes to help the team win,” Kennard said.

Konchar told reporters after the game: “I went up for it and I got it —that’s about it.”

DPOY 

Prior to the game, Jaren Jackson, Jr. was given the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of Year award before the home crowd. 

Jackson finished the game with 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in 40 minutes of play.  Jackson also had a huge highlight block of his own against Davis. 

Up Next 

The series shifts to Los Angeles on Saturday night for Game 3 at 9 p.m. CST. Local broadcast on Bally Sports Southeast and on ESPN nationally.