The Memphis Grizzlies desperately wanted Ja Morant’s presence. That they had been one of many worst groups within the NBA by way of the primary two months of the season, limping out to a 6-19 begin by way of their first 25 video games. However they had been with out their star and most necessary participant throughout that stretch, as Morant was serving the 25-game suspension that was served to him through the low season.
NBA: Morant, Embiid Named Gamers Of The Week
Ja Morant and Joel Embiid have been named Western and Jap Convention Gamers of the Week, the NBA has introduced đŸ”¥
Morant:28.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 9.0 APG
Embiid:40.7 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 6.0 APG pic.twitter.com/7FWFTPcnuA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 26, 2023
He has turned the group’s fortunes round, at the least throughout his first week again. He was the hero in his first contest in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans final Tuesday, as he completed with 34 factors and the eventual game-winning bucket. He struggled a bit from the ground within the group’s subsequent sport, however he was in a position to drop 20 because the Grizzlies dropped the Pacers for back-to-back wins.
However his most spectacular exhibiting so far was Saturday’s sport in Atlanta. Morant made 14 of his 25 discipline purpose makes an attempt on his approach to 30 factors, and dished out 11 assists to complete along with his first double-double of his younger season. Memphis gained once more, defeating the Hawks by a rating of 125-119.
For his efforts, Ja Morant has been named the NBA Western Convention Participant of the Week. He averaged 28 factors, 9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in his first three video games since returning. Joel Embiid was the winner within the Jap Convention.
Can The Grizzlies Rebound From A Horrible Begin?
Ja Morant has been named participant of the week in his first week again
Robust đŸ”¥ pic.twitter.com/MJNXByuUZB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 26, 2023
The Grizzlies have now gained three video games in a row, which is tied for the second-longest present successful streak within the NBA. However is it too little too late? The group continues to be 9-16 and a full 5 video games behind the Golden State Warriors for the tenth and remaining playoff spot, that means it might be a critical uphill climb simply to get again into Play-In Event competition.
However the areas that Memphis lacked in early within the yr are a few of the ones that Morant excels in essentially the most, and the positivity of his presence has been obvious over the primary two video games. The remaining schedule for the calendar yr gained’t do them any favors, although, as they are going to end off 2023 by enjoying video games in opposition to the Pelicans, Nuggets, Clippers, and Kings.
But when the Grizzlies are in a position to string collectively just a few extra spectacular wins, then they may very well be one of many darkish horse playoff groups out West as we hit the New Yr.
