NEW ORLEANS — In an electrifying moment during the third quarter, Ja Morant, a two-time NBA All-Star, soared through the air with the intention of executing a spectacular dunk. Pulling the ball back in his right hand, he aimed for the glory of a highlight-reel finish.
Yet, the attempt didn’t go as planned. The ball bounced off the back of the rim, and Morant crashed to the floor. Despite his strategic choice to attempt fewer dunks to minimize injury risk, the desire for a big play overcame him. Reflecting on the missed opportunity against the New Orleans Pelicans, with Trey Murphy III obstructing his path at 6:12 in the third quarter, Morant explained from the locker room, “There was a point at the rim where I could have easily taken off for the dunk but faced an obstacle. I still should have finished it—another close call.”
Morant’s performance was crucial in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 107-104 victory, registering 32 points and achieving back-to-back games with at least 30 points for the first time this season. Although he’s been limited to 40 appearances due to a hip issue and a right shoulder injury, Morant shone in the final quarter, contributing 11 of the team’s 18 points.
Desmond Bane also shone with a 30-point game, earning high praise from Morant. “He’s really in a groove, and we just keep encouraging him to maintain it,” Morant stated. Evaluating his own progress, Morant shared, “I feel like I’m moving in the right direction, still encountering some challenges, but making the most of it. My main focus is helping secure victories while striving to be fully fit.”
With a 40-24 record, Memphis stands fourth in the Western Conference, and the team is keenly aware of the importance of having Morant in peak condition as the playoffs approach.
As Morant departed the court, he did so without his shoes. He had sported a pair of custom Nike Ja 1 sneakers fashioned to pay tribute to New Orleans, featuring the title of a local song that he celebrated with a dance after a win against the Pelicans in December 2023. With a nod to local culture, Morant signed the shoes for the song’s artist.
