Morant returns, Grizzlies playing strong
Tee Morant’s shirt said it all Saturday. The word “I’m Back” with a picture of his son, Ja, on the front.
Ja Morant was indeed back in uniform at Fedexforum after missing nine games with right knee soreness. The Memphis Grizzlies broadcast crew even wore fancy necklaces in honor of Morant’s love of jewelry.
More importantly, the Grizzlies finally got to show potential playoff lineups with a healthy, full rotation. Saturday’s dominant 141-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans reminded what could lie ahead in the playoffs when the Grizzlies are clicking and running in transition.
Here’s three things we learned from the Grizzlies’ 56th win, which tied a franchise record set in 2012-13.
Ja Morant Watch
Morant made his first shot on a driving layup against the Pelicans (36-45) but missed his next four attempts despite playing aggressive. He also struggled in the second quarter against rookie guard Herb Jones, who had a steal and block on him.
It was expected after not playing in three weeks. However, he got right in the second half, starting with seven points and four assists in the third quarter. His best sequence came in the fourth with an assist to Brandon Clarke followed by a leaping block on Larry Nance Jr. the next possession.
“I felt like Jaren out there, might need to put me on the defensive team,” Morant said.
Morant had 21 points and nine assists in 26 minutes. More importantly, he shook off rust and showed how ready he’ll be to take on a greater role in the postseason.
Record-setting third quarter
In a season in which the Grizzlies (5625) have set multiple single-season franchise records, they added another with 55 points in the third quarter. Not only was it the most in franchise history, it’s the fourth-most in a quarter by an NBA team since 1955.
The Grizzlies had 16 of their 41 assists in the period and shot 20-for-26 (76.9%)
from the field.. Five players scored at least seven points, led by Desmond Bane scoring 13. Clarke capped it off by setting up Ziaire Wiliams with an alleyoop dunk and then scoring the final basket at the buzzer.
It was a clinical beatdown by a team that entered averaging the second-most points in the NBA. Credit the starters extending the halftime lead from 17 points to 30 in just under four minutes, but everyone took turns showing why this team remains a well-rounded machine as the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed.
Balance shines again
It was business as usual with multiple players contributing. Dillon Brooks had 23 points. Bane added 18 points while making all four of his 3-point attempts. Jaren Jackson Jr. had nine rebounds and four blocks with 12 points.
Clarke added 20 points off the bench and Williams had 19 points while making his first four 3-point shots.
The Grizzlies had seven players score in double figures en route to their 14th win by at least 25 points, the second most by a team since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976 (15 by the 2015-16 San Antonio Spurs).
Depth and balance has been the Grizzlies’ formula all season besides Morant’s brilliance. They’ll need it in the playoffs since Morant will carry a heavier burden.
But 56 wins also leaves no doubt this is the greatest regular season in franchise history. It’s certainly been the most fun as the Grizzlies rack up the wins and highlights, and with one game left there’s one more chance to send a message to the NBA.
“You’ve got to enjoy these moments for sure and understand what you’ve done together. But let’s keep chipping away, let’s keep grinding, let’s keep wanting more, ‘cause that’s fueled us to this point,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.