Tag: Ja Morant

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall to Thunder in Game 2

Ja Morant shoots the ball during Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Oklahoma City Thunder took control with a 118-99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, securing a 2-0 series lead behind stifling defense and relentless effort. The Thunder held Memphis to under 100 points for the second consecutive game. 

Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo said that his team’s struggles go beyond turnovers, citing losses in the possession game and rebounding battle, particularly on offense, where opponents grab nearly 30% of rebounds. This is pressuring the team’s shot quality, and these issues stem from the same underlying problems, he said. 

Iisalo admitted that the Thunder’s active defense is disrupting the Grizzlies’ offense, particularly when setting screens and on drives. He noted that OKC’s anticipation and ability to stay on passing lanes are making it hard for Memphis to execute their plays and complete kick-out passes.

Iisalo had a simple message for his team, “Let’s get on the plane as soon as possible. They took care of their business — now it’s time for us to take care of our business at home.” 

Iisalo said his team started competing seriously in the third quarter and played nearly even from there on. However, he emphasized the need to maintain that level of competition for the entire 48 minutes and adopt an attack mindset from the start.

After a rough Game 1, Jaren Jackson Jr. bounced back with a strong performance, scoring 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting to lead the Grizzlies.

Jackson Jr. noted that  Game 2 was a big improvement from Game 1 and credited the team’s more aggressive attitude for the change, trying to “hit first” rather than react. But it wasn’t enough. 

The 25-year-old big man said he read the defense better in Game 2, being more proactive and avoiding getting doubled or tripled as easily as he did in Game 1.

He went on to say playing a strong team like the Thunder is fun and motivating, pushing them to be their best and get better. It’s a challenge they need to accept.

“It’s a series. You never get too high or too low about anything. You’ve got to go home and take care of business,” Jackson Jr. said after the game. “Ride the wave of the home crowd and protect home court. Have that confidence and that swag.”

Ja Morant added 23 points and six assists. He wasn’t happy with himself after the team’s second consecutive blowout loss.

“I’ve got to be better. It’s simple,” Morant vowed after Tuesday’s loss. “If I be better, we’ll be better.”

Iisalo emphasized the need for better “quality” in the team’s offense, including improved entries, separation, screening, and spacing, to get players like Morant going.

Desmond Bane rebounded from a modest 9-point performance in Game 1, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2.

Bane said the Grizzlies executed better and took care of the ball more in Game 2, but still made mistakes that good teams in the playoffs capitalize on. He emphasized the need to clean up those errors.

The Thunder scored 25 points off 15 Grizzlies turnovers and dominated in transition, outscoring Memphis 21-3 in fast-break points.

“We’re getting beat to some loose balls. That’s stopping our transition,” said Bane. “They’re putting a lot of pressure on Ja and some of our other guys. We’ve just got to have multiple guys willing to push the ball and get us out in transition.”

Bane said the key is to play with confidence, trust each other, and play freely, which will lead to the shots falling and have fun. 

The Grizzlies will host Game 3 against the Thunder at FedExForum on Thursday, April 24. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM CT. You can catch the action on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives against Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first half on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Memphis. (Photo: Wes Hale)

The Memphis Grizzlies are headed back to the playoffs after a season marked by injuries and turmoil.

The Grizzlies convincingly clinched the eighth seed in the NBA playoffs, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 in a win or go home game of the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.

Memphis dominated the first quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 39-24 with a 22-9 run in the final three minutes. They extended their lead to as many as 25 points in the second quarter, holding a 66-49 halftime advantage. 

Although Dallas gained momentum in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to seven points, the Grizzlies maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the game. 

Memphis dominated inside, outscoring the Mavericks 60-44 in paint points and out-rebounding them 50-36, with 16 offensive rebounds to Dallas’ 7. The Grizzlies also outscored Dallas 24-14 in points off turnovers.

As the Grizzlies’ season hung in the balance, Jaren Jackson Jr. sent a purposeful message to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. 

“Setting the tone, I felt like us three were pretty much locked [in] the whole time,” Morant said, referring to himself, Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. “As soon as the Warriors game was over we pretty much locked in on what we had to do to get to this point. Trip [Jackson Jr.] sent us a little paragraph earlier. Me and Des responded and it pretty much was enough said. We already knew what we were going out there to do.” 

The players didn’t disclose the exact content of Jackson Jr.’s message, but Desmond Bane said it resonated with him and likely with Ja Morant as well.

“We’ve had a nice little group chat running all year long, and we’ve been able to pinball different things off each other,” Bane said of Jackson’s text message. “And I needed to hear it. I’m sure Ja needed to hear it, too, coming into this game. 

Bane continued, “Our response was, ‘Let’s march; let’s do it. Let’s put our best foot forward; let’s go do it. 

Neither player was ready for their season to end. 

Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points, going 10-for-18 from the field and 4-for-5 on threes, while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists in 36 minutes.

Morant was a game-time decision due to a sprained ankle he suffered against Golden State on Tuesday. Despite the injury, he received two injections, constant treatment, and therapy to play and finished with 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three steals in 32 minutes.

Desmond Bane scored 22 points, dished out nine assists, grabbed five rebounds, and had two steals. Zach Edey notched his second straight double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, adding two blocks.

Scotty Pippen Jr. scored 13 points in his second straight start, while Santi Aldama contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists as a reserve. 

Off the bench, John Konchar tallied five points, eight rebounds, and two assists, with a team-high +18, and Marvin Bagley III posted six points, five rebounds, and one block.

Up Next 

The Grizzlies will take on the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the NBA Playoffs. 

The Thunder went 4-0 against the Grizzlies in the regular season, winning by an average of 18.8 points per game.

Mark your calendars. Note: All times are Central.

Game 1: Sunday, April 20 | Grizzlies at OKC, 12:00 p.m. on ABC

Game 2:  Tuesday, April 22 | Grizzlies at OKC, 6:30 p.m. on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network 

Game 3:  Thursday, April 24 | OKC at Grizzlies, 8:30 p.m. on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network 

Game 4:  Saturday, April 26 | OKC at Grizzlies, 2:30 p.m on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network 

Game 5:  Monday, April 28 | Grizzlies at OKC, TBD (if necessary)

Game 6:  Thursday, May 1 | OKC at Grizzlies, TBD (if necessary)

Game 7:  Saturday, May 3 | Grizzlies at Jazz, TBD (if necessary)

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Can the Grizzlies Turn Their Season Around?

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at FedExForum. (Wes Hale/The Memphis Flyer)

The Memphis Grizzlies are undoubtedly the talk of the town lately, and for good reason. With their recent struggles on the court, including a four-game losing streak, and the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins, there’s been no shortage of speculation and debate among fans and pundits alike. 

There’s no denying that the team has hit a rough patch, managing only two wins in their last 10 outings. As a result, they’ve plummeted from second place in the Western Conference to eighth, with only six games remaining. The slide has put them in a precarious position, where they’re now at risk of being relegated to the play-in tournament.

The Grizzlies are particularly struggling against top-tier opponents, having dropped 12 straight games to teams with a winning record. There’s no doubt Memphis is in the midst of a crisis, with their season seemingly unraveling at the seams. 

Frustration is also mounting among Grizzlies players and fans, as the team’s promising season has taken a disappointing turn, and Tuomas Iisalo’s tenure as interim coach has gotten off to a winless start.

Iisalo pointed out after the 134-125 loss to the Warriors that the team failed to effectively communicate and execute their game plan, and he assured that they would improve in these areas moving forward.

Iisalo acknowledged that the losses provided little comfort, but highlighted the team’s resilience, tenacity, and unity in the face of a physically and emotionally exhausting schedule.

“You can sense they are hurting,” Iisalo said. “Everybody is hurting in that locker room. It hurts when you really put yourself out in life and you come up a little bit short. That’s life — that’s sports. That’s the natural growing pains and I don’t think it’s something you need to run from.”

Yes, it’s painful to fall short despite giving your best effort. And it’s definitely an inherent part of life. Embracing and learning from disappointment is crucial; rather than trying to escape, you have to own up to it. 

Iisalo remains optimistic that the team’s strong work ethic, intensity, and unity will lead to success. Despite time being limited, he believes the team’s solid foundation provides a stable base for growth.

To improve, the Grizzlies need to rectify simple mistakes — particularly on defense — and leverage their offensive strengths more effectively.

Prior to the All-Star break, Memphis boasted a formidable defense, ranking seventh in the league. Their defensive performance has plummeted to 20th since the break. This significant decline is mirrored on the offensive side, where they dropped from fifth to 16th over the same period.

The bottom line is that the team needs to find a way to improve and secure wins. Sluggish starts to games are significant hurdles to overcome.

The Grizzlies possess a tantalizing blend of talent, spearheaded by the dynamic trio of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. But the team’s maddening inconsistency has become a recurring theme, leaving many to ponder what’s next for the team. 

Morant, the Grizzlies’ star guard, admits that the team has been feeling the pressure lately, particularly after playing three games in just four days. He acknowledged the mental and physical toll it has taken on the team, and emphasized the need for a change in mentality, especially when playing on the road. He’s calling for the team to “flip the script” and secure some much-needed wins.

Jackson Jr. stressed the need for urgency, citing the in-locker room display that tracks the conference standings in real-time, serving as a constant reminder of the team’s position and the importance of staying focused.

For the Grizzlies, it’s not just about the standings, but about showing heart and making the most of every opportunity. As the season winds down, Grizzlies fans are hoping for a return to form and a resolute playoff drive that represents the team’s authentic basketball identity: All Heart, Grit, Grind! 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Post-Jenkins Era Begins with Loss to Lakers

Desmond Bane goes up for a layup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, 134-127, on Saturday night only added to the shock of head coach Taylor Jenkins’ abrupt firing on Friday morning. Jenkins, who had been with the team for six seasons, was let go despite the Grizzlies’ 44-29 record, which has them tied with the Lakers for the 4/5 seeds in the Western Conference.

The decision to fire Jenkins was made by Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman, who cited “urgency” as a core principle of the team. Kleiman stated that he came to the conclusion that firing Jenkins was in the best interest of the team. 

Jenkins’ firing sent shockwaves through the NBA, with many questioning the timing and reasoning behind the decision. The Grizzlies named assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo as the interim head coach. 

Prior to the game Iisalo expressed shock and surprise at Jenkins’ sudden firing, stating he had no inkling it was coming. He then accepted the role of interim head coach and has been scrambling to get organized and adjust to the new situation. 

The Grizzlies’ first-quarter struggles remained unchanged despite the coaching change, as they trailed the Lakers 39-28.

Iisalo attributed the loss to a poor first half, citing the team’s failure to execute the basics. He acknowledged the Lakers’ potent trio, but emphasized that the Grizzlies’ slow start was the decisive factor. Iisalo stressed the need for improvement, particularly with back-to-back games looming.

“The goal of the game is to win, obviously,” said Iisalo. “So we can’t be happy with our performances — but it was encouraging to me after that lackluster start, we did a lot of things a lot better in the second half.” 

Iisalo continued: “We had better on-ball pressure — we did better in our pick and roll defense. We did not allow the opposition to get easy offensive rebounds. We applied friction, as we like to say, in the full court, to wear down their best players, and not just allow them to jog into their spots and get the exact shots.” 

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies, scoring 29 points to go along with six assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

Jaren Jackson Jr. shook off early foul trouble to deliver a strong performance, scoring 24 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting.

Following a six-game absence, Ja Morant returned to the lineup and nearly recorded a triple-double, posting 22 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds.

“Anything we want — we just got to lock back in,” Morant said when asked about what the team can still accomplish this year. “It’s not like we are eliminated from the playoffs,” Morant added. 

Morant emphasized the need for focus, communication, and teamwork to improve performance. He highlighted the importance of reading the game, making smart decisions, and playing with effort, while also stressing the need to correct simple mistakes and communicate effectively with teammates.

Zach Edey made a notable impact in his return to the starting lineup, contributing 14 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and swatting three blocks in 26 minutes of play.

Off the bench, Scotty Pippen Jr. provided a spark, scoring 16 points and dishing out five assists.

The Grizzlies continue a three-game homestand, hosting the Boston Celtics at FedExForum on Monday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m., with the game set to air on TNT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Blaze Past Heat

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane shaking hands during the game against the Miami Heat on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies handed the Miami Heat their seventh consecutive loss, cruising to a 125-91 victory Saturday at FedExForum.

Rebounding from a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, the Grizzlies surged ahead with a 21-9 second-quarter run, establishing a 63-48 halftime lead. Their momentum continued into the fourth quarter, where they expanded their advantage to as many as 32 points with 10:51 remaining.

Memphis shot an impressive 55% from the field and dominated the paint, scoring a season-high-allowed 72 points against the Heat. This marked the most points in the paint conceded by the Heat since 2008, when they allowed 76. 

The Grizzlies moved to 24-10 when recording 60+ paint points.

Following the convincing win, Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins expressed pride in his team’s well-rounded performance.

He said, “I told the guys afterwards, this is the urgency we have to play with on both sides of the floor, not just defensively. I thought we executed our game plan for the most part, really, really well. Guys were active, they were disciplined. And then I thought our quick decision making was there on the offensive side, we played with a little bit of pace, ball movement, and multiple guys with multiple assists. Definitely an impressive win.”

Jenkins added, “The bench guys coming in, Scotty (Pippen Jr.giving us a boost — Lamar (Stevens) gave us a boost. BC, (Brandon Clarke) Cam (Spencer) those guys did a phenomenal job.” 

“Obviously, Des (Desmond Bane) was high level, almost a triple double,” Jenkins continued. “I thought he set a tone, with his defensive rebounding, defensive activity. And obviously it’s unselfish play-making on top of his scoring. So definitely the version that we’re going to need more consistently. And the challenge is can we take it on the road for the longest road trip of the season.”

The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant due to shoulder soreness on a second night of a back-to-back. 

Following the Grizzlies’ loss to Cleveland on Friday, Jaren Jackson Jr., who is working his way back from an ankle injury indicated that it would likely take a few games for him to get back to form. 

Just one day later, Jackson Jr. turned in a resounding performance, leading the Grizzlies with 31 points on an impressive 72.2% shooting (13-of-18), to go along with six rebounds and two blocked shots.

Bane stated that Jackson Jr.’s strong work ethic allows him to bounce back so quickly.

After a disappointing showing against the Cavaliers, Bane delivered a standout effort, falling just shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, while connecting on 4-of-5 three-point attempts.

Bane downplayed his poor outing on Friday, saying “it’s basketball” expressing confidence in his work and that he made no adjustments. 

Up Next

Memphis is set to begin a five-game road swing, visiting Sacramento, Portland, the LA Clippers, Utah, and Oklahoma City from March 17 to 27.

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Grizzlies Win Fourth Straight Game

Luke Kennard handing the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 12, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies invoked the “Call 12” mantra (Ja Morant) while joining forces with Memphis-10 (Luke Kennard to seal a thrilling 122-115 victory over the Utah Jazz Wednesday night, stretching their winning streak to four games.

At the half, Memphis was up by 14 points but Utah came storming back to make it a contest in the second half. 

Collin Sexton converted on a jumper to put the Jazz ahead 115-114 with 1:16 remaining, but the Grizzlies swiftly regained the lead as Luke Kennard drained a crucial three-pointer. Morant then delivered the finishing blow, knocking down another three to extend the Grizzlies’ advantage to 120-115 with only 12 seconds left.

Memphis converted 20-of-44 from beyond the arc (.455), including 7-of-10 in the fourth quarter. 

Kennard led the Grizzlies with career-high tying 30 points on 11 of 14 from the field including 7 of 9 from three. After the game, he talked about the importance of being aggressive — more active on both ends of the court, focusing on rebounding, creating deflections, and finding his rhythm early in the game.

Morant’s 28-point, seven-assist performance helped Memphis improve its season record to 42-24.

The All-Star guard acknowledged that the game against the Jazz wasn’t easy, despite their record. He emphasized that every NBA player deserves respect, and that the Jazz players came to play hard. Morant noted that his team had to lock in and stay focused after the Jazz cut into their lead, before ultimately securing the win.

Desmond Bane provided a strong all-around effort with 17 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered a boost off the bench, contributing 11 points, six assists, and a team-high four steals.

Roster News

The Grizzlies announced that forward Lamar Stevens was signed for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old has been helping off the bench and scored a season-high 13 points, including a career-high four 3-pointers, in a win on March 10 vs Phoenix. 

Up Next 

The Grizzlies face a formidable challenge as they host the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, March 15, with tip-off scheduled for 7 pm at FedExForum. Cleveland currently is on a 15-game winning streak. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Morant, Bane Propel Grizzlies to Win Over Pelicans

Ja Morant goes up for a shot during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 9, 2025. (Photo by: Layne Murdock Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies edged out the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans 107-104 in a closely contested matchup Sunday night.

The Grizzlies are gaining momentum, having won two consecutive games after a dismal 1-4 performance on their recent 5-game homestand. The slump caused them to drop from second to fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Memphis dominated on the glass against New Orleans, grabbing 57 rebounds and scoring 24 second-chance points versus New Orleans’ 39 rebounds and 11 second-chance points.

The Grizzlies faced a 65-57 halftime deficit after surrendering 37 points in the second quarter. However, they regrouped and limited the Pelicans to just 15 points in the third quarter, seizing an 89-79 advantage heading into the final period.

Ja Morant had a standout performance, leading Memphis with 32 points to go along with six assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Morant has now scored 30-plus points in his last two games. His season average is 21.2 points per game.

In a post-game interview with FanDuel Sports Network’s Rob Fischer, Ja Morant noted that despite the win, there are still areas where his team needs to improve.

 “Just came out with more energy,” Morant said of the third quarter difference. “We just once again man — our first half, we just be giving up easy baskets, not really engaged, locked in defensively, and then it takes a little wake up call, which is unacceptable for us. We got to be locked in as soon as the ball goes up in the air and so we won’t be in situations like this.”

Morant also acknowledged a slight improvement in the team’s defense, but emphasized that there is still significant room for growth and that they cannot be satisfied with their defensive performance over the last two games.

Desmond Bane put on a show, falling just shy of a triple-double with 30 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, as Memphis improved  to 40-24 on the season. 

Morant sang the praises of his backcourt partner, Bane.

“Very impressive — but I know the work he put in. I know the situations and the talks we have with each other. He’s built for it. And he’s showing it, night in and night out, as you saw tonight. 

Morant continued, “He filled up the stat sheet. I think it was a couple off, triple-double again and that’s big-time play for us, a will to win. We have a guy like that.part of leading the charge and everybody else follows. So we just got to continue to keep grinding, keep going, keep getting better and just play hard.”

Off the bench Scotty Pippen Jr. added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. 

The Grizzlies will host the Phoenix Suns Monday night at FedExForum, kicking off a four-game homestand. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Ja Morant Has to Be Unapologetically Ja

Ja Morant drives the ball past Jordan Clarkson. Credit: Rob Gray/AP Photo

The Memphis Grizzlies are on a four-game losing streak after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-103 on Wednesday night. This loss comes after a tough home stand, where they went 1-4.

The Grizzlies have lost seven of their last nine games, dropping them to fourth place in the Western Conference with a 38-24 record.

Ja Morant candidly expressed his frustration with his performance in his return game against the Thunder, conceding that he probably shouldn’t have played due to health concerns. However, he also seemed resigned to the fact that his injuries have been an ongoing issue all season, and his focus remains on securing wins despite these challenges. Morant’s lack of availability has been a persistent concern, and his inability to play more than five consecutive games remains an issue.

Every statement made by the 25-year-old will be subject to intense examination and analysis. 

However, the message conveyed in response to adversity is crucial.

“Just stay strong, stay with it,” Morant said in the locker room after the loss against OKC. “It’s a long season — we’ve got a couple more games left. Just lock in. Get guys back healthy and go back to playing our basketball.”

He went on to say, “We’ve been through the whole season together. Ups and downs, hard practices, traveling on the road, fatigue. But, we always seem to respond. So it’s no different from here.”

His parting message amidst the team’s current challenges, “Just continue to play with that energy and effort and continue to have your brothers’ back and trust in each other. That’s pretty much it.”

A pivotal moment from the iconic movie Remember the Titans features a tense confrontation between team captain Gerry Bertier and Julius Campbell, both standout players. Gerry criticizes Julius for having the worst attitude he’s ever encountered. Julius retaliates with a sharp and piercing remark, “Attitude reflects leadership, captain,” implying that Gerry’s lack of accountability as a leader was the root cause of the team’s problems.

Memphis will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain that could have him out weeks. But the odds are in the Grizzlies’ favor with a focused Morant. 

Through 38 appearances, Morant is averaging 20.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. 

Make no mistake about it, Morant is still viewed as one of the NBA’s elite players, showcasing extraordinary skill and ability.

His presence on the court greatly improves the team’s performance, making them a more formidable team when he plays.

At this stage in the season, he just has to remind us who he is. Recently, Morant said his coach and teammates remind them to have positive body language, even when things are tough, which can be hard for a competitor like him.

After the overtime against the Phoenix on February 23rd, Morant disclosed that Desmond Bane’s vocal encouragement reminded him that his performance is the catalyst for the team’s energy and momentum, and urged him to simply be himself and play his natural game.

With 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Grizzlies face a critical stretch that will determine their playoff fate. To achieve a deep postseason run, as many fans relish, that leadership starts with Ja Morant. So the team needs Ja to be Ja.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Rebounding Woes Haunt Memphis in ‘The Land’

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, February 23, 2025. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The stage was set for a thrilling showdown on Sunday night, and the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies delivered, engaging in a back-and-forth battle that ultimately saw the Cavaliers emerge victorious, 129-123.

The Cavaliers dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Grizzlies 57-37, including a staggering 22 offensive rebounds. This significant advantage led to 31 second-chance points, with 12 of those coming in the pivotal fourth quarter. To date, Cleveland has only lost four games at home this season. 

The game saw 11 lead changes and was tied up eight times, highlighting the intense competitive nature of the matchup.

Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins said that the team’s inability to limit Cleveland’s 22 offensive rebounds was a crucial factor in the loss. He noted that while Jarrett Allen had a few, it was a collective effort by the Cavaliers’ guards that hurt them. Jenkins added that he was proud of his team’s overall performance, acknowledging that they played exceptionally well in many areas against a top-ranked opponent: “Going against one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the league, and have that offensive performance. We scored 123 against the elite defense that they are.”

“You can’t give a team 31 freebies, second-chance points,” Jenkins continued. “We just didn’t have it, and that’s gonna be something we absolutely have to address. We have to own even more, because that can’t be an Achilles heel thing for us if we want to get where we want to get to.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. kept the Grizzlies in contention, pouring in a team-high 22 points in just 25 minutes of action. Foul trouble may have limited his playing time, but it couldn’t contain his fourth quarter dominance as evidenced by his 12-point outburst. Jackson Jr. also had four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a blocked shot. 

Ja Morant turned in a strong  performance, contributing 21 points and 10 assists, although ultimately his team fell short, dropping to a 37-20 record. 

On the season, Morant is averaging 20.5 points, 7.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. 

Luke Kennard made the most of his limited court time off the bench, delivering a productive 24-minute outing in which he scored 19 points on impressive 6-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range.

“I think the biggest thing for us was physicality, giving up a lot of offensive rebounds,” said Kennard after the game. “When you give up that many offensive rebounds to a really good team, they’ll make you pay for it. So we know that was the game for us. But yeah, we battled. We fought to the very end, and we gave ourselves a chance, just missed a couple shots, but we could definitely learn a lot from this.”

Up Next 

The Grizzlies are set to kick off a crucial five-game homestand, with their first challenge coming against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 pm CT. Memphis is 21-6 on its home floor. 

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Grizzlies Beat Suns in the Valley

Ja Morant goes up for a layup in a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 11, 2025 (Photo by: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies edged the Phoenix Suns, 119-112, in Phoenix, Tuesday night. After establishing a strong 36-26 lead in the first quarter, the Grizzlies maintained their advantage, fending off a determined Suns team that fought until the final buzzer. Memphis hasn’t lost consecutive games since January 3-4. 

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins credited his team for responding well throughout the game, starting with a strong first quarter, fueled by defense. He noted that they withstood a second-quarter run by the Suns and, despite a tough third quarter, stayed focused and composed, ultimately staying the course as the game tightened to single digits.

“Guys were collected and composed in the timeouts — went out and executed,” Jenkins stated.

He said the team’s victory was due to their ability to make crucial defensive plays and quickly shift into a high-speed offense, especially in the final quarter. He went on to praise the reserves for their role and noted that the Suns’ intense defensive pressure required a sustained effort throughout the game.

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points, adding seven rebounds and six assists. The performance marked his 19th game this season with 20 or more points.

“Great, now we are starting to realize that when we are out there, when we see guys on the opposing team out there heavy breathing, leaning over, that is when we normally realize it and try to ramp it up,” said Morant when on the luxury of having a fully healthy team.

Morant continued, “We know how we train, how we are conditioned, and it is for 48 minutes. We know it is hard for teams to withstand us pushing the pace, us picking them up full court and being real physical. We just try to wear teams down and at the end of the day go get a win.”

Desmond Bane scored 20 points, shooting 6-of-13, and also contributed 8 rebounds and 4 assists as Memphis improved to 36-17 on the season. The performance extended Bane’s streak of 20-point games to four and marked his 11th in the last 13 games.

Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded a solid all-around performance with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Meanwhile, reserve Brandon Clarke made the most of his 19 minutes, scoring 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbing 7 rebounds.

Santi Aldama paced the Grizzlies’ bench with 14 points and 5 five rebounds in 23 minutes, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. Aldama got off to a scorching start, going 4-of-4 from the field in the first quarter, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc in the opening 12 minutes.

After the game, Aldama talked about the difference with the team now compared to two months ago. He said, “More experience together — guys stepping up when guys are locked in going into the All-Star break. There’s nothing different. Just playing better and putting the ball in the hoop.”

Up Next

The Grizzlies have a Western Conference showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night, marking their final outing before the All-Star break. The late-night matchup is set to tip off at 9:30 p.m. CT.