Memphis, Tenn. — Second-time All-Star Ja Morant has promised he won’t keep him out of Memphis’ play-in game against Dallas, with the final postseason of the Western Conference winning grab on Friday night.
Morant did more than just play. He made a thrilling start, offering yet another addition to the stunning theatrical highlights with a one-handed slam where teammate Desmond Bain screamed “Showtime!” After Morant rose so much, his eyes were level with the edges in his celebration.
The guard scored 16 of his 22 points in the first half, with Memphis not taking the No. 8 seed and Sunday spot in Game 1 for top-seeded Oklahoma City in a 120-106 victory.
“I couldn’t feel that… so I was there,” Morant said with a laugh.
Bane never doubted Morant would play.
“He’s an MVP type player and a walking highlight reel,” Bane said. “I was happy he tried it. I knew he was going to show up.”
Morant was listed as suspicious early Friday as training staff worked to prepare him to play. His status was officially announced about 30 minutes before the hint.
The guard was injured in Golden State in the third quarter Tuesday night, bringing the seventh seed to the line. Morant rolled the ankle down onto Buddy Heald’s leg. Morant limped off the court and returned to the fourth quarter when he scored four points as the Grizzlies lost 121-116.
Morant took him to court to test his ankles later in the warm-up. His young daughter joined him in court. ESPN reported during the game that Morant had a second shot of his ankle just hours before the start.
Security guards sometimes stepped into the free throw line, but that was about the only sign that Morant had been hurt. He finished with nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals before interim coach Tuomas Iisalo pulled the starter in the final minutes. Morant played in 33 minutes and helped the Grizzlies finish the victory.
The night’s play was Morant, running through the lanes and into the air, missing out on teammate Santi Aldama’s right arm high and throwing the thunder.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has seen Morant do a lot of amazing things in court. This dunk? Jackson called it “crazy.”
“He was doing what he was doing,” Jackson said. “And you know that the puttback dunk has boosted a lot of energy at the right time. I dunked it all over Santi’s head. It was illuminated.”
Memphis interim coach Tuomas Isalo has been with the Grizzlies this season. But yes, he found himself dunked by Morant rising high for a putback dunk. Isalo said he learned not to doubt Morant much.
“He came up with a few things he didn’t know if there were any other humans on Earth who could do that…” Isaro said. “As a coach, I’m even trying to hold onto Keel, staying in solution mode and not being too emotionally attached to the game.
Injuries limited Morant to 50 games during this regular season. He played 19 playoff games in three postseason berths in Memphis and scored the second pick in the 2019 draft.
