On Boxing Day, Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies clashed with the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, the home turf of the Pelicans. In a thrilling encounter that extended to overtime, the Grizzlies emerged triumphant with a 116-115 score, handing the Pelicans their second consecutive loss. The victory marked the Grizzlies’ fourth consecutive win since Morant’s return.
Morant claimed the top spot in the player statistics chart, delivering an impressive performance with 31 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. His shooting efficiency also stood out, with 12 successful field goals out of 24 attempts, along with 1 steal and 2 blocks. Desmond Bane provided valuable support, concluding the game with 27 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. On the Pelicans’ side, Brandon Ingram led the charge with 24 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Zion Williamson contributed with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist.
During the overtime session of the game, a noteworthy scene unfolded when Morant, seemed to engage in a celebration that mimicked him holding a gun. This incident took place with the score at 109-115, as Morant had just granted the Grizzlies a six-point advantage. Captured on camera, the incident stirred excitement among fans, even though Pelicans supporters were enraged.
Since the return of their star player, the Grizzlies’ fortunes have taken a positive turn, with victories in four consecutive games for the first time this season. Despite this recent success, the Grizzlies currently hold the 13th position in the Western Conference, with a record of 10 wins and 19 losses.
Grizzlies winning run continues with Morant on the rise
The winning streak for the Memphis Grizzlies persists following the return of Ja Morant to their lineup. Their latest triumph occurred last night on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Grizzlies are now on a 4-0 winning streak since Morant’s comeback. It’s worth noting that their last defeat transpired away against the Oklahoma City Thunder, resulting in a 116-97 loss.
In the four games since his return, Morant has showcased impressive performances, averaging 28.8 points, with a field goal percentage of 50.6% and a three-point percentage of 16.7%. The latter obviously has scope for improvement, although Morant has also contributed with 5.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, all while playing an average of 36.2 minutes.
The Grizzlies are set to face challenging matchups in their next three games, encountering in-form teams. The upcoming contests include clashes with the Denver Nuggets on the road, the Los Angeles Clippers away from home, and a home game against the Sacramento Kings. These matchups pose formidable challenges for the Grizzlies as they navigate a demanding stretch in their schedule.
More must-reads: