Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA Reacts to What Ja Morant Did in Grizzlies Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 31, 2025 7:02 AM ET

Ja Morant played in just his third game back for the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday after a recent four-game absence due to an ankle injury. The two-time All-Star went off for 40 points on 16-of-22 shooting, to go along with two rebounds, three assists and two steals in 34 minutes of action. It still wasn’t enough, though, as the Grizzlies suffered a 139-136 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, marking Memphis’ second straight defeat.

Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid combined for 70 points to lead the Sixers to a road victory at FedExForum, but it was rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe who sealed the win with a game-winning three-pointer in the extra period.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during an NBA game.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tuesday’s loss was not on Morant, though, as the 6-foot-2 point guard did everything he could to carry Memphis to victory. Despite Morant’s scoring outburst, the Grizzlies still came up short, dropping to 15-18 after another loss.

Morant’s big-time performance, however, drew a reaction from the NBA. The league took to social media after the game to share the Grizzlies star’s latest scoring milestone.

“Ja Morant went OFF tonight for the @memgrizz as he dropped his 10th 40-point game of his career! ” the league posted on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

It has been a tumultuous campaign for Morant in 2025-26. He has been limited to just 17 games this season due to injuries and a team suspension. The 26-year-old has also been heavily linked to a move away from Memphis after Morant declared that he no longer found joy playing for the Grizzlies.

For now, though, Morant is still a Grizzly. He will be back on the court on Friday along with the rest of his teammates as Memphis goes on the road to battle LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for its first game of the new year. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: