The Memphis Grizzlies' jaunt into Boston turned into a historical night as they clinched their first win in the city since 2013. The 127-121 victory over the Celtics not only marked a significant turnaround for Memphis but showcased the explosive talent of their star player, Ja Morant. In a performance that saw Morant mash together aerobatic flair and strategic wisdom, he notched 32 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and two steals.
Morant's decision to modulate his trademark high-flying style might initially surprise fans familiar with his propensity for dunks, but it's steeped in a blend of maturity and self-preservation. "I'm not trying to dunk at all. Y'all think I'm lying. I'm dead serious," Morant asserted, highlighting a calculated evolution in his playstyle.
Morant's approach is not unfounded. Earlier this season, a collision with Los Angeles Lakers' Christian Koloko led to a serious injury—a partial posterior hip subluxation and multiple pelvic muscle strains. The incident sidelined him for nearly three weeks, forcing him to reassess his in-air plays and their consequences. "Sometimes I get knocked out [of] the air and [a foul] don’t get called, and now I’m out longer than what I’m supposed to be," Morant explained, emphasizing the physical toll such impacts still exact whether fouls are called or not.
The Grizzlies have undoubtedly felt Morant's absence on the court. With the electric point guard limited to just nine games in the 2023-24 season due to suspension and a separate shoulder surgery, the team had to adapt and persevere. Yet, whenever Morant suits up, Memphis becomes a formidable opponent, boasting a 10-4 record in games he's played. Without him, the team maintains a respectable 6-4 record, underscoring their depth and resilience.
The game against the Celtics once more shone a spotlight on Morant's tactical evolution, highlighting that two points count the same, no matter how they are scored. "Hey, two points is two points. I get it done. That's all that matters," Morant noted, distilling his strategic mindset into simple terms that convey a matured understanding of professional longevity.
This adaptability has helped place the Grizzlies securely in third place in the Western Conference with an impressive 16-8 record. As the season progresses, Morant's presence and performance will likely become more ferocious, as Memphis vies for supremacy in the highly competitive landscape of the NBA's Western gauntlet.
The Grizzlies' victory in Boston is not just a fleeting triumph; it's a testament to a team and a star player finding their identity and balance amid adversity. Morant’s decision to tamp down the theatrics may be a protective measure, but it's undoubtedly a savvy move as he positions himself as a more sustainable asset for his team. The Grizzlies, mindful of their star’s health, are climbing their way up the ranks with a sense of purpose and precision that seems destined for deeper playoff runs, propelled by their grounded gun-slinger who now chooses when to soar.