Desmond Bane Credits Ja Morant’s Sideline Coaching After Leading Grizzlies Past Mavs

Ja Morant may have been off the floor, but behind the scenes, he keeps scripting victories. The return of Morant to the Memphis Grizzlies’ side helped them to improve their record. Morant suffered a torn labrum in the practice session and will undergo a shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the season. As the Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-103 on the scoreboard, Desmond Bane credited his stellar performance to Morant’s coaching.

The Grizzlies side was already injury-riddled and Marcus Smart’s injury in the game had dampened the spirits. But Bane’s last-quarter heroics helped Grizzlies maintain a lead and the star was quick to pay tribute to his teammate.

Desmond Bane acknowledges the coaching of Ja Morant

Bane scored 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists as he paired well with Marcus Smart who added 23 points. After the game, he was all praise for his teammate in his post-match interview. “This is the winner right here,” he joked with his teammate. Further, he added referring to Morant, “locked in and coached from the sideline.”

While Desmond Bane was full of individual exploits and team spirit the coach of Mavericks too praised the team effort. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said, “It was awesome. I’m so proud of the group, obviously, with everything that has transpired in the last 24 hours. This is one of the most impressive team wins of the season. “

Marcus Smart left the game in the third quarter with a dislocated finger on the right hand. Bane shouldered the responsibility and scored 13 of  Grizllies last 18 points to secure the victory. The coach of the Mavericks Jason Kidd was all praise for Bane. He said, “He was great tonight. He came out to show that he could beat us by himself without Ja or Jackson.” But it was not the first time that Bane shouldered the responsibility after the team needed him.

Desmond Bane in the absence of Morant

Morant was out for 25 games after he displayed a firearm on social media. He was also charged with assaulting a teenager and threatening the head of the security. His absence led to the Memphis Grizzlies shaving a 6-19 record at the time of his return. Desmond Bane was the lone fighter during this time.

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Since the return of Morant, Bane paired well with him and the two started on a journey to improve the season record of the team. Grizzlies currently have a 14-23 record that primarily is a result of Morant’s game. And of course his coaching!

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