Morant’s 29 powers Grizzlies over Pistons
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former Murray State Racer point guard Ja Morant finished with a game-high 29 points, four assists, three rebounds and just two turnovers on Friday night at FedEx Forum, helping lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 109-95 win over the visiting Detroit Pistons.
Morant was 10-for-23 from the floor and 9-for-10 from the charity stripe, helping offset an 0-for-5 night from the arc and a 1-for-7 clip in the fourth quarter.
If there’s anything impacting his all-around effectiveness on the game right now, it’s his 3-point shot — a place he’s shooting 25% from so far through 16 games this season (13-for-52). Last year, he connected on 33.5% from the arc through 67 games (60-for-179).
It’s certainly worth mentioning, however, that Friday night’s game was the 84th of his NBA career — and Morant’s game is far from complete at this juncture. In fact, after Morant’s 82nd game on Feb. 16 (a 144-113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans), he joined Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the only players to ever begin their first 82 games with at least 1,450 points, 600 assists, 47% shooting from the floor, 75% shooting from the stripe, 275 rebounds and 70 steals.
After Friday’s game, Morant hilariously asked Memphis media to rank his single-game performance, then offered his own self-criticism.
“9.4. 9.0. 8.0. 8.5. 8.5. 9.5. 8.5. Oooh, you guys actually rated me higher than I thought,” Morant said. “My rating for this game? I’d say, you know, a 6.5. I felt like I missed some shots. I’ve got to be better behind the arc. But the good thing, you know, is I’ll continue to shoot. Yeah. Four assists. Two turnovers. That dumb foul at the beginning of the game? That deducts from me. Even though I was plus-14, I give myself a 6.5 for tonight’s performance. Gotta be better.”
Morant did not make the All-Star starting lineup, but could be a critical Western Conference reserve if called upon. And at least one NBA superstar continues to be clued into what Morant has been doing: Portland Trailblazers point guard Damian Lillard.
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins offered his thoughts on Morant’s All-Star candidacy after Friday’s 29-point performance.
I think Ja’s very deserving of being an All-Star reserve. He’s done an unbelievable job continuing to develop this season, and obviously being super impactful with our team and how we’re winning and improving as a team. Obviously, there are a lot of great players in consideration, but if you look at the fans, the media, his fellow players — and the recognition and consideration he’s been getting in the last tally of the votes — it speaks volumes to who he is, and what he’s been able to accomplish.
Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies’ second-year coach
Buchanan blasts rim as Hustle find .500
In his first 2021 start for the G-League Memphis Hustle, former Racer Shaq Buchanan rolled up 21 points, six rebounds and three steals in a 118-98 Friday afternoon win over the Greensboro Swarm at Disney Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
By the end of the third quarter, he had four thunderous dunks, and finished shooting 10-for-16 from the field in 30 minutes with a plus-8 +/-.
The Hustle are now 3-3.
Payne steady as Suns top Pelicans
Working his way back from a mild ankle sprain, former Racer Cameron Payne finished with six points and four assists in Friday’s 132-114 win at the New Orleans Pelicans.
In his four games since his return to the Phoenix Suns, the former 2015 NBA Lottery pick is averaging 6.5 points, 2.8 assists and just 1.0 turnovers in 16.3 mpg.
for those who inquired. 