A Historic Night for the Grizzlies in Boston
On a cool evening in Boston, the Memphis Grizzlies etched their place in history, snapping a decade-long drought with a victory over the Boston Celtics. Their 127-121 win marked the first time since 2013 that Memphis triumphed in the iconic TD Garden. At the heart of this achievement was Ja Morant, whose electrifying performance proved pivotal in securing the win.
Morant dazzled fans with a near triple-double, scoring 32 points, collecting nine rebounds, dishing out nine assists, and adding two steals to his stat line. Yet his impact stretched beyond the numbers, as his strategic shift away from high-flying, crowd-pleasing dunks demonstrated a newfound maturity in his gameplay. "I'm not trying to dunk at all. Y'all think I'm lying. I'm dead serious," Morant proclaimed, emphasizing how this adjustment is designed to extend his longevity on the court. This decision also speaks volumes about his awareness of how rugged NBA play can impose physical tolls.
Indeed, it's a calculated move by Morant, motivated in part by his past experiences with injuries. Earlier in the season, he faced a partial posterior hip subluxation and multiple pelvic muscle strains after a collision with Christian Koloko of the Los Angeles Lakers, which sidelined him for nearly three weeks. Reflecting on those moments, Morant noted the reality of NBA's physical demands: "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." Managing these risks, he asserts, is crucial, underscoring that "Hey, two points is two points. I get it done. That's all that matters."
Morant’s return to the lineup has been both a welcomed and fortuitous development for Memphis. Prior to overcoming his injuries and a suspension, along with recuperating from a separate shoulder surgery, he had played only nine games in the 2023-24 season. His presence on the court is a major boost for the Grizzlies, who boast a 10-4 record in games with Morant. In contrast, they stand at 6-4 without him, underlining his influence and leadership.
The Grizzlies' success, accentuated by Morant’s contributions, sees them holding a solid 16-8 record and positioning them third in the competitive Western Conference standings. This feat highlights not just the prowess of their star player but the depth and resilience of the team as a cohesive unit.
Moving forward, the Grizzlies aim to build on this momentum, with Morant leading the charge albeit in a more grounded, yet equally impactful manner. His decision to forgo some of the more dangerous aspects of his game for the greater good of his health and team performance speaks volumes about his growth and commitment to his craft.
For Memphis fans, Morant’s evolution and the team's resulting success offer a promising outlook for the rest of the season. With strategic adjustments on and off the court, the Grizzlies are poised to make more history. As Morant continues to adapt and guide his team with both restraint and brilliance, the future looks bright for this ambitious squad.