Ja Morant Unleashes Fury: Revitalized Scoring Explosion Leaves Fans Speechless

The Memphis Grizzlies average a league-leading 122.7 points a night. Franchise cornerstone Jaren Jackson Jr. is responsible for almost 19% of that point average. The Grizzlies’ points per game total dipped to 116.3 during Jackson Jr.’s absence. Despite the slight drop in the points scored per contest, the Grizzlies still managed to go 4-2 while he was sidelined. The All-Star power forward was undergoing a career season before suffering from a left ankle sprain on March 3rd. Memphis’ defense has gotten timely stops as their defensive rating ranks 10th this season. What has transcended immensely since Jackson Jr.’s injury has been the scoring of Grizzlies franchise superstar point guard Ja Morant. Let’s dive into Morant’s recent play and what it means for the Grizzlies.

What to Make of Revitalized Scoring Explosion From Grizzlies’ Franchise Star Ja Morant

In March 2019, Ja Morant strung together some memorable performances for his alum Murray State Racers during March Madness. Six years later, there seems to be a similar theme going on for the Grizzlies star. So far in March, Morant is averaging 31.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists on 52.4% shooting from the field. Morant revived some of his dynamic tenacious scoring prowess that’s made him one of the league’s most polarizing players. Over his last ten games, Morant is scoring 8.0 points on 66.7 FG% in the fourth quarter. Among all Grizzlies starters, he’s also posting the best net rating in the fourth quarter this month.

The Grizzlies’ star point guard has filled in the scoring void left by Jackson Jr. flawlessly. Morant’s distinctive change of direction and twitchy first step paired with his increased aggression has led to a flurry of shots made from all over the floor in March. One of the biggest revelations in Morant’s scoring diet has been his intermediate shot. Among all players that have attempted at least 50 pull-up jump shots in March (26 qualified players), Morant is shooting the fourth-best EFG%. Morant’s improved scoring and efficiency are key to the Grizzlies as the playoffs near.

Jenkins on Morant’s Offensive Approach

After a recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins gave us his input on Morant’s recent scoring rhythm.

“I mean it’s awesome, he’s [Ja Morant] playing with an aggressive mentality, I mean obviously he had a heck of a night tonight, you know I lean into him for long stretches there cause he was the one penetrating the paint, he was knocking down mid-range shots, he was getting to the free-throw line but I also thought his playmaking was good, I mean he ended up with seven assists he could’ve had even more, you know they were playing zone, they were man, like he was finding where his teammates were, thought he was doing a good job baiting them into two-three defenders on him and finding guys, you know we made a few shots but we definitely missed too many as well so I thought you know he was playing with great pace, great poise throughout you know despite a rough night overall from the team, and you know to see what he’s been doing these last couple of weeks just finding that aggressive mentality and picking his spots when to score and also playmake, his balance on both sides has been very impressive, we’ve got to continue to get more out of him.”

Jenkins’ comments are spot on, Morant’s agressive scoring paired with his playmaking are highly impressive. Morant finished with 44 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His all-around contributions and elite scoring kept the Grizzlies competitive against an elite Cavs team. Even with Jaren Jackson Jr. back in the lineup Morant’s scoring, offensive aggression, and playmaking will be crucial to the Grizzlies’ success.

Ja’s Availability

It has been no secret that Morant has dealt with numerous lingering minor injuries that have impacted his season. He missed 25 of a possible 68 Grizzlies games this season. Morant was sidelined with newly reported left hamstring soreness in the Grizzlies’ 125-91 home win versus the Miami Heat. Jackson returned from his left ankle sprain and wasted no time pouring in a game-high 31 points. Grizzlies stretch forward Santi Aldama also missed the contest due to a right calf strain. Morant’s left hamstring will keep him out of Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings.

Morant’s current volume scoring consistency couldn’t have come at a better time. The Western Conference seeding is still very much up in the air. The Memphis Grizzlies are 43-25 through March 16th. They are tied for the second seed with the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets. With Jackson Jr. back in the mix and the volume scoring of Ja Morant gaining momentum, the Grizzlies’ best basketball is only ahead of them.