Tag: Ja Morant

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Depleted Grizzlies Run Clippers Close in Road Loss

Dillon Brooks guards LeBron James. (Credit: NBAE via Getty Images)

It has been tumultuous for the Memphis Grizzlies since Friday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets. 

First, Brandon Clarke went down with injury with a torn Achilles (out for the season), Dillon Brooks received his 16th technical foul that caused an automatic one-game suspension, and then there’s Ja Morant, who is away from the team indefinitely after brandishing a gun on his IG Live. 

It was remarkable to see the Grizzlies put up a fight against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. 

“We have to step up because there are big shoes to fill,” said Jaren Jackson, Jr. after Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the Clippers. “That’s been our motto for a long time. Whenever somebody goes down, everyone’s always ready, everyone’s always working. Come together and do it.”

The Grizzlies put up a 51 point third quarter against the Clippers and had a 15 point lead going into the final period. LA outscored Memphis 38-17 to win the game, 135-129. 

Memphis’ fourth quarter woes continue to rear its ugly head. 

Desmond Bane says that the team isn’t really too concerned about it. 

“We’ve had guys in and out you know pretty much all year, so I think that we’re still kind of figuring out our fourth quarter offense,” he said. “Once we get to half court, Jaren [Jackson, Jr.] is a focal point given his size. We slow the game down and play through him. So if he continues to make the right decisions, I think that is something that we’re gonna grow through for sure.” 

The Grizzlies are ranked 29th in fourth quarter scoring in the association. 

Tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers on TNT, Memphis will have Dillon Brooks back in the starting lineup. 

Memphis is still second place in the Western Conference yet only .5 games ahead of the soaring Sacramento Kings, who are in third. 

The Lakers are trying to make the play-in while LeBron James is out due to a foot injury. 

Tyus Jones isn’t worried about the team after all the adversity. He said Sunday, “I’m confident that the team will move forward. I’m confident we can continue to stay together, ride together. We still have a job to do – we are still striving to improve as a team.”

That next-man-up mentality must be ever present for the Grizzlies if they want to keep second place in the West. Other teams will not lie down for them. 

The secret to their success is giving a full effort for the full 48 minutes. Jenkins must take responsibility for the selection of his lineups and the players have to take responsibility for their play. 

I know it’s going to be a struggle. Can the team handle it with added pressure without Morant? 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Now Under a Microscope, Morant’s Next Steps Are Vital

Ja Morant (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

Last week, the Washington Post published an article about Memphis Grizzlies two time All-Star player Ja Morant, in which it was claimed that he was involved in three separate incidents, two of which included firearms. 

After becoming the target of an NBA investigation related to his behavior during a Saturday morning Instagram Live, the team announced on Saturday that he would be missing at least two games.

Morant’s IG Live video showed him flashing a gun in a club. The live stream was then recorded and spread like a wildfire on social media.

Later, NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement, “We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating.” 

Soon to follow, the Grizzlies issued a statement announcing that the 23-year-old would miss at least two games. Memphis is scheduled to play the Los Angeles Clippers tonight and the Lakers on Tuesday. 

Through his agent, Morant released the following statement: 

“I take full responsibility for my actions last night. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”

Morant’s previous accusations of having a firearm and other incidents couldn’t be corroborated or substantiated. But there’s no denying he had a weapon on IG Live. This time there was proof, and the consequences followed.

Morant is a budding superstar with everything to lose, so why would risk losing it all?

Criticism and judgment is coming his way on social media, TV, and other places. 

Indeed, he needs to pull himself together. The fact that he is still so young explains why he has made such a baffling choice. And some even question the stress he spoke about in his statement. 

But we all need to understand that he’s a 23-year-old with pressure to be great, pressure to provide for others, pressure to bring a championship to the city of Memphis in front of the entire world. 

Yes, he is participating in his own sabotage, but there’s a lot of weight on his shoulders at such an early age.

Make no mistake, I’m not condoning his actions. But, I understand. I have a 23-year-old son who does things that baffle my husband and I. But as he matures, he will make the right decisions. He doesn’t have the visibility or occupy the same financial class as Morant; however, he’s a typical young adult who hasn’t figured out life just yet. 

For athletes like Morant, many people tell them how terrific they are without caring about them as individuals, but as entertainment. Some just can’t take the pressure to live up to expectations, and it may lead to exhibiting behaviors that hasten their demise. 

Morant’s blundering actions are easy to dismiss as naive on the surface. Of course, we may all discuss what we would do if we were as gifted and successful as he is. We don’t believe that we would blow such a great opportunity. What would happen to our behavior if the burden of expectations were placed upon us?

Despite the fact that we’ve had numerous conversations over the years, I don’t know Morant on a personal level. I won’t cast judgment on the young man because I have no idea what he’s exactly going through.

However, I want him to make better choices and seek the help he needs if he’s indeed going through a mental crisis. 

Someone sent me a link yesterday of a video in which Morant talked about his mental health in 2021. It was heartbreaking to watch. 

Morant said he was used to getting through things on his own. He said in the clip, “you don’t realize you’re drowning until you’re trying to be everyone else’s anchor.”

Here’s the video:

After watching that, it put his statement in perspective. Morant needs to put his well-being at the forefront and seek the necessary help. And Nike agrees: 

I don’t know if the NBA will impose a harsher suspension and/or fine on Morant. 

Holding Morant responsible for his acts is acceptable, and he will undoubtedly face the results of his actions.

For a young man who has come so far and still stands to lose everything, this must be a humbling and instructive lesson.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall to Nuggets 113-97

Ja Morant goes up for a bucket against Jeff Green. (Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)

The Grizzlies are on the road and made a stop in Denver to face the Nuggets for the final time in the season series. Despite their performance in Houston, the road woes continue for the Memphis Grizzlies.  

Let’s get into it.  

The Denver Nuggets have been atop the western conference for a good part of the season, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. This Grizzlies team had already shown they can defeat them at home, but on the road blew a double-digit lead and were handily outscored in the fourth quarter.  

The absence of Steven Adams still looms large, and more so now that Brandon Clarke suffered an injury in the first quarter in Denver and had to be escorted off the court. Couple that with Dillon Brooks receiving his 16th technical foul and the subsequent one-game suspension that will accompany it, and it potentially spells a very bad time for a team that has been good all season.  

Denver owned the second half, and the Grizzlies did not have an answer for it. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins was asked about the disparity in the fourth quarter and had this to say: “I think it was the physicality. They came out more physical than us. They were executing their offensive sets, what they were trying to get to, and we weren’t kind of matching that physicality. That just set the tone for the quarter. They got hot, went on a run. At that point, it’s hard to slow them down. They’ve got a lot of offensive firepower, so once they got going, it was tough to turn things around.” 

Consistent three-point shooting continues to plague the team, making just 11 of 34 attempts from beyond the arc. Add that to the ongoing struggles from the free throw line, and there is a clear roadmap of areas needing improvement. Whatever the answer is, the Grizzlies do not have very much left of the regular season to figure it out.  

By The Numbers: 

Ja Morant led all scorers with 27 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals.  

Desmond Bane closed out with 19 points and 4 rebounds, on an uncharacteristic 2 of 7 shooting from three-point range.  

Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the night with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  

Xavier Tillman Sr. ended up with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. This marks Tillman’s second double-double of the season. 

Who Got Next? 

The road trip continues as the Grizzlies head to Los Angeles to face off against the Clippers, Sunday March 5th. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. CST.  

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Snap Road Losing Streak

Desmond Bane goes up for a jumper on March 1, 2023 against the Houston Rockets (Credit: Logan Riley/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Grizzlies ended their 8-game losing streak on the road with a 113-99 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday night at the Toyota Center on the second night of a back-to-back. 

It was obvious in the first half that both the Grizzlies and the Rockets were playing the second night of a back-to-back. When it came to scoring early on, both teams struggled, but it was the Grizzlies who eventually pulled ahead. After leading by only three points at halftime, Memphis exploded to a 17-point advantage by the end of the third quarter.

After scoring just 47 points in the first half, Memphis scored 66 second-half points. 

The Grizzlies have now won three in a row to improve to 38-23 on the season while the Rockets have lost 11 straight and dropped to 13-49. 

Desmond Bane led the squad with 30 points while scoring 21 in the second half, nine rebounds, six assists and connecting on 6-of-9 from the 3-point stripe. 

Ja Morant added 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in 26 minutes of action. The game was out of hand late in the third period, and Morant sat in the final quarter. 

Jaren Jackson, Jr. finished with 17 points, four rebounds, and five blocks. The Block Panther is now tied for second place with 145 total blocks this season; however, Jackson is the leader at blocks per game at 3.3. 

Dillon Brooks had his best game of the calendar year with 16 points while connecting on four 3-pointers. 

Up Next 

The Grizzlies will battle the Denver Nuggets on Friday at 9pm CT inside Ball Arena. It will be the third and final regular season meeting between the Western Conference top 2 seeded teams. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Crush Lakers Behind Historic Night From Morant

Ja Morant takes a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Tuesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies went on national television and embarrassed Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James watched from the bench as Ja Morant and company put on a masterclass in the second half, setting a few records while coming away with the 121-109 victory.  

Let’s get into it.  

The first half was pretty forgettable, and Memphis trailed by 3 at halftime, with several Grizzlies struggling to make shots. Ja Morant went 3 for 14 in the first half, and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks shot 1 of 5 and 1 of 8, respectively.  

It was in the second half that this team really came to life on the strength of a record-setting 47-point third quarter, led by Morant’s career-high 28-points.  

The Lakers tried to close the gap in the fourth quarter, at one point cutting the lead to four, but that was followed by an 8-0 run from the Grizzlies punctuated by a pair of dunks from Jackson Jr. and Morant for good measure. 

Enjoy:

By The Numbers: 

As a team, Memphis scored a franchise record 41 points off 26 Lakers turnovers. 

Ja Morant led all scorers with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, his 10th career triple-double, and the highest scoring triple-double in franchise history. Morant’s 28 points in the third quarter are the most by any NBA player in a quarter this season. 

Xavier Tillman Sr. scored a career-high 18 points and 11 rebounds, his first double-double of the season.  

Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the night with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks.  

Desmond Bane also finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.  

Who Got Next? 

No rest for the weary: The Grizzlies are back at it tonight in Houston, facing off against the Houston Rockets. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST.  

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Rout Nuggets

Ja Morant goes up for a lay up against the Denver Nuggets on February 25, 2023. (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Grizzlies beat the West-leading Denver Nuggets, 112-94, to improve to 25-5 at home this season.

Swag is what the Grizzlies had been missing as of late. Swag returned briefly on Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, however the lack of late-game execution cost the team a game that it led up until the final seconds. 

“The whole mentality, the last five, six weeks of the season, is just building to our best version of ourselves,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on the team getting their swagger back. “I think our guys have really embraced it day one in practice. I thought we had that mentality, thatswag, that trust. That’s a big word that we’ve been using recently. 

Jenkins added, “What we’ve had to do to play our best basketball home and away, I thought we did that in Philly, it just didn’t bounce our way the last couple of minutes, but we put ourselves in a position to win a game there.” 

“And then tonight, we came out with the same urgency, and I think we just clamped down on both sides. I thought the discipline… it starts with the mentality for sure when you go into games, but then I said our discipline from our game plan, execution defensively, has got to be on point, but then even offensively, knowing that they’re going to be a heavy shift team.”

“We scored 60 points in the paint, but we knocked down 15 threes – The ball movement, the energy, the trust on what we’ve got to do offensively was huge for us,” Jenkins concluded. 

“So, just really proud of the guys. Four days, but as I said, it’s just continued growth one day at a time. Keep trusting the process to what we’ve got to do one day at a time to get better and responding.”

Bench Play

The Grizzlies bench has been missing in action as of late. On Saturday night, the bench put up 48 points. 

Tyus Jones had been in a slump, but that changed against the Nuggets. Jones tallied 17 points and five assists off of 5 of 10 from the 3-point line tying a season-high with threes made. 

Jones on breaking his slump, “I mean, it’s always good to see the ball go through the basket. But yeah, you just try not to get too high or get too low. You try to stay even-keeled. The season is so long. Like you said, I’ve had hot stretches, I’ve had cold slumps, and I know it comes and goes, but it’s always good to kind of break out of that and see the ball go through the basket. I had a good convo with coach this morning, but just been trusting my work. It’s part of the season, it’s part of the grind.”

Luke Kennard had his best game since his trade to the Grizzlies. Kennard finished with 12 points while converting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. 

And Kennard completed a beautiful play started off by Morant. Take a look here: 

Kennard comments after the win. 

Call 12 and Rookie Dunker 

Ja Morant led all scorers with 23 points, and added seven rebounds and four assists. 

Some say it was a statement win but Morant was cautious knowing there are more games to played and to him it was “just another win.”

Morant described his magnificent play in the third period: “I pretty much just went to chase the rebound. We were all kind of under the rim when the shot went up. It was a long rebound, and there were times when we had our struggles. We didn’t get that rebound right there, so I pretty much just gave it my all, went and got the rebound. I kind of tapped it. We both were kind of going for it and once I got control, I just did a couple of dribble moves to actually make sure I have control over the ball. He kind of slipped, and I just attacked the rack. Once I got by that first defender, I felt the other one behind me, and I pretty much just used me being in front to an advantage. Kind of just stopped and jumped back. He bumped me in the back and after that, it was just a basic left-hand layup, finishing the play. So yeah, just one of those plays. I kind of yelled out there and got lightheaded, so I probably won’t do that again.”

Take a look at this spectacular play: 

Xavier Tillman 

Tillman ended the game with 12 points on 6-6 shooting, seven rebounds and four assists while holding the front-runner for NBA MVP Nikola Jokic to 16 points 

Morant credited Tillman’s play since Steven Adams has been out due to injury. He said, “He’s been holding his own. Out there battling, giving it his all and playing very well on both of those guys who are two of the most dominant bigs in the game. A lot of credit goes to him for locking in, knowing what they want to get to and making everything tough for them.”

Tillman’s play earned him the walk-off interview. 

Up Next

The Grizzlies will host the new look Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm CT. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Win, Survive Late Jazz Rally

Jaren Jackson, Jr. at tip-off against the Utah Jazz on February 15, 2023. (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

In the final game before the All-Star break, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz 117-111. The Jazz almost came all the way back, despite being down as many as 24 points. It wasn’t pretty but it sure was gritty. 

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said he wasn’t too concerned about losing a 24-point lead, adding he was pleased with a win going into the break in the midst of the team’s more recent struggles: “We shouldn’t want anything to be easy. We should want these struggles to make us better. It’s the nature of a long season. You’re going to have your ebbs and flows. We’ve had good moments recently. We’ve embraced some struggles. We’ve been able to put some good work in and start trending in a better direction.”

He added, “Now is an opportunity, for about six days, to get that rest and recuperation and to come back and continue to put in even more work. So, our guys have gained some momentum over the last week, despite having to grind through. But as I’ve always said, these struggles are going to make you better, and we’ve still got a lot of season left to make that happen.”

Jaren Jackson, Jr. put on an All-Star and All-Defensive performance to lead Memphis with 26 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and a career-high five steals to help the Grizzlies to improve to 35-22 on the season. 

With 40 games under his belt, the Block Panther can now be recognized as the NBA block leader at a career-high 3.3 per game. 

Desmond Bane tallied 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists while Ja Morant finished with a near triple double, 20 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds despite a poor shooting night (8-of-26).

Morant is a wizard with the rock! 

Up Next

It’s All-Star break!! The team has a week off for relaxation and recuperation, except for Kenneth Lofton, Jr, Jackson, Jr. and Morant, who will be in Utah for the All-Star festivities. 

Prior to the game, Morant and Jackson, Jr. were honored with their All-Star jerseys.

The Grizzlies will be back in action on February 23rd against the 76ers in Philadelphia. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall to Celtics, 119-109 

Brandon Clarke doing Brandon Clarke things. (Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies headed to Boston for a Sunday afternoon game on national television, and it didn’t go well.  

Let’s get into it.  

How do you solve a problem like the Boston Celtics? I don’t know, and clearly the Grizzlies don’t either. 

Boston beat them on the boards, on the assists, and from three-point range. Getting cooked from outside is not a new phenomenon for this Grizzlies team, but the disparity in three-point shooting was on display and it was not a good look. Trading two-pointers for threes on the other end of the floor isn’t going to give the Grizzlies the outcome they want.  

Also, getting beat on the offensive glass, 14-3, highlighted just how much Memphis misses Steven Adams. Xavier Tillman Sr is a lot of things, but a 7-foot kiwi that feasts on rebounds is not one of them.   

The Celtics played nine players in Sunday’s matchup, and eight of them scored in double figures. In contrast, the Grizzlies played 10 players and only five of them scored in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr getting into foul trouble was also a hindrance that hurts even more with Adams out.  

Ja Morant mentioned recently that he wasn’t stressing over any Western Conference teams, but the Celtics were on his mind. Sunday’s matchup shows that match-up remains a valid concern for Memphis.  

Grizzlies’ fans did get their first look at Luke Kennard, who put up 4 points and 3 rebounds in his Grizzlies debut. Kennard was a trade deadline move that is supposed to get more three-point shooting for Memphis. They are definitely going to need it for the stretch run after the All-Star break.  

By The Numbers: 

Ja Morant had a game-high 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Morant struggled from distance, shooting 0 of 4 from beyond the arc.  

Desmond Bane finished the night with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, while shooting 3 of 7 from beyond the arc.  

Jaren Jackson Jr closed out with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Jackson fouled out in just over 20 minutes of playing time.  

Dillon Brooks ended up with 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists, while shooting 3 of 7 from three-point range.  

Brandon Clarke led the bench unit with 14 points and 2 rebounds, with a very efficient 7 of 8 field goal attempts.  

Who Got Next? 

The Grizzlies will be returning home to FedExForum for their final game before the All-Star break. They will host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, February 15th. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Morant, Jackson Guide Memphis to Much-Needed Win

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant contesting a shot from Chicago Bulls' Nikola Vucevic on February 8, 2023 (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The “most hated” team in the NBA, as defined by Ja Morant, got back on track with a win on Tuesday night at FedExForum.

Memphis was on a three-game skid and needed to stop the bleeding. The home team beat the Chicago Bulls 104-89 behind dogged defense, outpacing the Bulls 32-14 in the final period. Fourth-quarter execution on both ends of the floor had been an issue for Memphis during their most recent slump.

After the game, Jaren Jackson, Jr. talked about getting over the hump. He said, “I think we just made more shots that we had been taking all game, locked in on defense a little bit more. We changed some coverages around. I thought our coaches were great today; they’re always, but today, they just knew exactly what was going on.

“Just getting stops, rebounding,” Ja Morant on fourth-quarter execution. “Obviously, these recent games, we’ve been giving up too many layups, second chance points. We were back, pretty much, to our defense. Later, we’ll be able to get out. People know that.”

All-Star 12

Morant led Memphis with 34 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, in his 30th career 30-5-5 stat line. Morant returned after being sidelined with an injury in the loss against the Toronto Raptors. Despite controversy and distractions, Morant let his play on the court do all the talking Tuesday night. 

Morant says he has a better day when his daughter Kaari is with him. Maybe Kaari can be the team’s good luck charm. 

All-Star Trip

Jackson Jr. finished with 24 points, five blocks, (four in the first quarter) and two steals in 34 minutes of action. The Michigan State alum was the tone setter from the start. 

“I [was] just feeling it out like I normally do,” said the 23-year old on his first quarter performance. “Just trying to see what was going on and just was feeling it out. I wasn’t really thinking that much stuff. I don’t really like to think that much. I just kind of just do whatever.”

“He and I talked yesterday (Monday),” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on Jackson’s performance. “And it was more about the offensive stuff, and obviously he was phenomenal tonight, just the post threat physicality.

“He had a couple great kickout slasher three-point shots out the post, but he’s going to do what he does defensively, so you don’t have to really coach him up much there.”

Jenkins added, “He did a phenomenal job setting the tone. He had nine points early, had probably like five blocks early, something like that. He definitely set a tone, but he carried it out for four quarters and had a phenomenal game tonight.”

“That’s pretty much what we’re doing,” Morant said about Jackson Jr. setting the tone for the game. “He’s pretty much playing the four for us. Most teams nowadays try to swing one to four. No team should be able to do that versus us with him being the forefront. Our messages to the team, to each other is to find him, and we’re going to dominate whoever is guarding him. It’s clicking for him. We’ve seen how well he’s been playing. [The Bulls] came out with a lot of energy and locked in on the defensive end, and he got some big stops for us and allowed us to get going early.”

The Grizzlies could use more of this for the remainder of the season and beyond from Jackson Jr., who is the team’s best all-around player. 

Up Next

The Grizzlies host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at 7pm CT in the final regular season match-up. The Timberwolves has a 2-1 edge Memphis looks to even the season series. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies’ Road Woes Continue

Desmond Bane goes up for a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 2, 2023. (Credit: NBAE via Getty Images)

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Grizzlies lost their second-consecutive game. The hot Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Memphis, 128-113, before a nationally televised audience on TNT. Memphis has now lost seven of its last eight games and six straight road games. 

The Grizzlies had a tough time dealing with Cleveland’s Jared Allen and Evan Mobley. Memphis was without Jaren Jackson, Jr., who sat out due to right thigh soreness. (Jackson was visibly limping in the loss to Portland on Wednesday night.) The Grizzlies are also missing starting center Steven Adams for an extended period of time with a PCL sprain. 

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 25 points while connecting on 6-of-7 from three. Ja Morant added 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Santi Aldama recorded a career-high 21 points, tying a career best with four 3-pointers, and 10 rebounds.

Dillon Brooks and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell were both ejected after a scuffle midway through the third quarter. Brooks is likely to receive a fine and or suspension for hitting Mitchell in the groin. 

All-Star Reserves and Rising Stars

Prior to the game, Morant and Jackson, Jr. were selected as All-Star reserves for the 72nd NBA-All Star game in Salt Lake City, Utah. All-Star festivities are Feb. 17-19. It was the first time in franchise history that multiple players were selected as All-Stars. 

Morant became the first player in team history to be selected in back-to-back All-Star games. Last season he was named as a starter. Morant is averaging 27.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game this season. 

It’s the first All-Star selection for Jackson, Jr. After missing 14 games at the start of the season, the 23-year-old has anchored one of the best defenses in the league. He is averaging 16.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 blocks and 1.0 in 35 games this season, and has recorded 4 or more blocks in 15 games. 

Grizzlies two-way player Kenneth Lofton, Jr. was selected to participate in the Jordan Rising Stars, representing the Memphis Hustle. Junior is one of seven G-League players selected. In 10 games for the Hustle, Lofton is averaging 18.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals.

Up Next

The Grizzlies look to get back in the win column on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors to start a three-game homestead. Tip-off: 5 p.m. CT.