Jan 11, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles guard Ja Morant (12) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies
In 2019 point guard Ja Morant was drafted 2nd overall out of Murray State by the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant came on the scene at Murray state during the 2018-19 college basketball season where he averaged 24.5 and 10 assists per game. Morant also showed off his athleticism with his incredible ability to dunk and block people at the rim, which put the world on notice. This is Morant’s third year in the NBA and every year he’s been in the league he has gotten better. In his first year Morant averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game with a field goal percentage of 47.7%. Last year Ja averaged 19.1 points with 7.4 assists, 4 rebounds per game and a field goal percentage of 44.9%. This year Morant is averaging 24.9 points, 6.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds per game, and a field goal percentage of 48.9. He also has lead the Grizzlies on a 10 game winning streak, and to a 29-14 record which is good for fourth In the Western conference. Last night Memphis beat the 30-10 Golden State Warriors with Ja Morant leading the charge. Morant had 29 points 5 rebounds and 8 assists.
Morant is not the only reason why Memphis is fourth in the west right now. Fourth year man out of Michigan State Jaren Jackson has helped out in a big way and is averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds per game and a field goal percentage of 40.9%. Another player who has helped out the Grizzlies a lot is Dillon Brooks fifth year man out of Oregon. Brooks is averaging 18.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Brooks is also a great defender as well. Desmond Bane is another guy who has made the Grizzlies better and is averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. This Grizzlies team is really deep and I’ve been really impressed with what they have been able to do this year.
